By Olubunmi Adebayo
*Value everyone you meet in life for who they are, and appreciate them for the experience they add to your knowledge.*
*This is because there are times that how far you will go in life is a function of the relationships you are surrounded with.*
*If such people are like mountains, know that mountains are the source of Rivers, especially great Rivers.*
*If they are like valleys, know that such people make the journey of life very smooth for you.*
*And if they are like plain grounds, they are the platforms for you to naturally exercise who you are.*
*Moses met Jethro, the same way several people today meet their father in laws.*
*The relationship between the two of them was one of son-in-law and father-in-law, but over time, it graduated into something deeper and enduring :*
*Exodus 2:[18]And when they came to Reuel their father, he said, How is it that ye are come so soon to day?*
*[19]And they said, An Egyptian delivered us out of the hand of the shepherds, and also drew water enough for us, and watered the flock.*
*[20] And he said unto his daughters, And where is he? why is it that ye have left the man? call him, that he may eat bread.*
*[21] And Moses was content to dwell with the man: and he gave Moses Zipporah his daughter.*
*After about 40 years, the call of leadership came for Moses to return to the land of Egypt. Therefore Moses parted ways with his father-in-law decently, and returned to Egypt for another assignment. Note that this was unlike the way Jacob parted ways with Laban :*
*Genesis 31: [22]And it was told Laban on the third day that Jacob was fled.*
*[23] And he took his brethren with him, and pursued after him seven days’ journey; and they overtook him in the mount Gilead.*
*[25]Then Laban overtook Jacob. Now Jacob had pitched his tent in the mount: and Laban with his brethren pitched in the mount of Gilead.*
*[26]And Laban said to Jacob, What hast thou done, that thou hast stolen away unawares to me, and carried away my daughters, as captives taken with the sword?*
*[29]It is in the power of my hand to do you hurt: but the God of your father spake unto me yesternight, saying, Take thou heed that thou speak not to Jacob either good or bad.*
*There was so much bitterness and rancour in the relationship and parting of Jacob from Laban.*
*Back to the story of Moses and Jethro. After some time, Jethro visited Moses and the people of Israel in the wilderness on their way to the promised land, and Jethro was still able to offer useful advice to Moses which went a long way to steady his leadership and help in the way he was administering the people of Israel :*
*Exodus 18:17-[17]And Moses’ father in law said unto him, The thing that thou doest is not good.*
*[18]Thou wilt surely wear away, both thou, and this people that is with thee: for this thing is too heavy for thee; thou art not able to perform it thyself alone.*
*[19]Hearken now unto my voice, I will give thee counsel, and God shall be with thee: Be thou for the people to God-ward, that thou mayest bring the causes unto God:*
*[20]And thou shalt teach them ordinances and laws, and shalt shew them the way wherein they must walk, and the work that they must do.*
*[22]And let them judge the people at all seasons: and it shall be, that every great matter they shall bring unto thee, but every small matter they shall judge: so shall it be easier for thyself, and they shall bear the burden with thee.*
*[23]If thou shalt do this thing, and God command thee so, then thou shalt be able to endure, and all this people shall also go to their place in peace.*
*[24]So Moses hearkened to the voice of his father in law, and did all that he had said.*
*While some people are noted for their depressing and toxic relationship with their in-laws, the father-in-law of Moses came up as a positive and critical factor in Moses’ life and leadership.*
*By every means therefore, do know that everyone you meet is to add something to your life experience.*
*God willing, tomorrow we shall be looking at the extent and benefits of Jethro’s advice to Moses.*
Top of the day to you 👍
©️ Olubunmi S Adebayo.
