Whose your Jethro?

Introduction:

I got bit by a big ol’ king snake (consequence)

Dad: “Sometimes you can only do one thing at a time Pat.”

Big Idea: We are one CONVERSATION away from changing the course of our lives.

Exodus 18:7 NLT

So Moses went out to meet his father-in-law. He bowed low and kissed him. They asked about each other’s welfare and then went into Moses’ tent.

Scripture

Exodus 18:7 NLT

So Moses went out to meet his father-in-law. He bowed low and kissed him. They asked about each other’s welfare and then went into Moses’ tent.

Exodus 18:7

1. Direction flows through Relationship

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Proverbs 13:20 NLT

Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble.

Explain

This passages gives us great insight into the kind of relationship that Moses had with Jethro

: Moses meets Jethro (priest)

Moses tells Jethro everything…

the hardships they faced.. (don’t shy away from hard parts)

God’s rescue...

This conversation just confirmed what Jethro was beginning to understand that Yahweh was God

Jethro became a believer

Story: When I met my wife...

Every conversation confirmed what my heart was feeling

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I bet Jethro didn’t know that his life would change meeting Moses… but I also think that Moses didn’t know that Jethro would be instrumental in the leading of God’s people either...

Exodus 18:14–18 NLT

When Moses’ father-in-law saw all that Moses was doing for the people, he asked, “What are you really accomplishing here? Why are you trying to do all this alone while everyone stands around you from morning till evening?” Moses replied, “Because the people come to me to get a ruling from God. When a dispute arises, they come to me, and I am the one who settles the case between the quarreling parties. I inform the people of God’s decrees and give them his instructions.” “This is not good!” Moses’ father-in-law exclaimed. “You’re going to wear yourself out—and the people, too. This job is too heavy a burden for you to handle all by yourself.

Exodus 18:

2. Wisdom is gained by CONSEQUENCE and CONVERSATION

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Explain

The next day Moses is judging the people day and night. Why?

Maybe he’s using an Egyptian model of leadership

Maybe he feels like he’s the ONLY one that can do the job

Moses was feeling the consequences…Now Jethro would start the conversation

Obey my voice…I’ll give you some advice...

1000, 100, 50 and 10’s

Who are your Jethro’s (List them)

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Story: I’ll fire you myself...

Tarah: I’m not on your calendar

Duke: I’ll fire you myself

Story

Apply: The Path to Wisdom

Be Present: Don’t be distracted

Be Humble:

Recognize you don’t have ALL the answers

Ask for help

Be Willing:

Are you willing to FIND a Jethro?

Are you willing to BE a Jethro?

Conclusion: Joel: You haven’t failed enough

We are one conversation away from changing our lives

Some of us may be scared that because we have failed or made mistakes that we can’t connect with God.

Some of us may be scared that because we have failed or made mistakes that we can’t connect with God.

The good news of Jesus is that He died so that you and I could actually respond to the voice of our Heavenly Father.

He died on the cross so that there would be nothing in the way of you and I knowing His love and experiencing His glory