E-call for Sunday, June 6, 2010

When Moses left his father-in-law's house (Exodus 4:18) he wasn't fully forthcoming about his reasons for his journey.   Moses says, "Please let me go back to my brothers in Egypt to see whether they are still alive." He doesn't tell Jethro about the encounter with God at the burning bush or the command to deliver the Israelites from Egypt, rather he couches his mission in vague language and ambiguous motivations.  Moses has done his father-in-law wrong; he has lied.

After the miraculous crossing of the sea, Moses sends his wife and two young sons to bring Jethro to meet him. Exodus 18 tells us what happens when Moses and Jethro meet again.  This time it's a very different type of conversation, because Moses is a very different person.  Moses explains in great detail what has happened; he openly recounts God's work in his life and in this people.  He is honest.

Jethro responds to Moses' forthrightness with praise. "Blessed be the Lord, who has delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians and out of the hand of Pharaoh..." And Moses' honesty leads to Jethro placing his faith in God, "Now I know that the Lord is greater than all gods..." 

Who have you been less than forthright with about God's work in your life?  How have you avoided the big questions with your friends, your family, your co-workers, yourself?  This account of Moses and Jethro is an encouragement to honesty and openness.  As we talk about God's work in our lives, He draws people to HImself.  News of grace, awakens the need and desire for it in others.  

Join us this Sunday as we worship this God who delivers His people.  Worshiping together empowers us to speak with conviction to our world of the graciousness of God.  Our service begins at 10 AM and Sunday School for all ages is at 9 AM.

Grace and Peace,

Sam