Finding Christ in the Old Testament Exodus 18:5 - 27

Finding Christ in the Old Testament
Exodus 18:5–27

Jethro, the priest of Midian and Moses’ father-in-law, hears of all the LORD has done to deliver Israel. He brings Moses' wife and sons back to him, and after hearing the testimony of God's great deeds, he rejoices, blesses the LORD, and offers burnt offerings. The nations are beginning to hear and to praise Israel’s God. This moment foreshadows the inclusion of the Gentiles in the covenant—fulfilled in Christ, who draws all nations to Himself (John 12:32). The joy of Jethro, a Gentile priest, in the salvation of Israel, anticipates the Church’s gathering of both Jew and Gentile into one household of faith.

Jethro also offers wise counsel for Moses to delegate judgment among faithful men, easing his burden. Here we glimpse a picture of Christ’s pastoral provision for His Church. As Moses appoints able men to share the work, so Christ appoints pastors and elders, not to replace His authority but to extend His care through teaching and judging in righteousness. The weight of ministry is shared for the good of the people, but always under the headship of the Deliverer.

Devotion
Christ gathers nations, carries burdens, and governs His Church in wisdom. Like Jethro, we rejoice in His saving works and bear witness that the LORD is greater than all gods.

New Testament Verse
Ephesians 4:11–12 (ESV)
"And He gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ."

Collect
O Lord of all wisdom, who gathered the nations and set Your people in order, grant that we, like Jethro, may rejoice in Your mighty salvation, and that under Christ our Head, the ministers of Your Word may serve in faithfulness, bearing the burdens of Your people with joy; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever, unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Hymn Verse
Built on the Rock the Church shall stand
Even when steeples are falling.
Crumbled have spires in every land,
Bells still are chiming and calling,
Calling the young and old to rest,
But above all the souls distressed,
Longing for rest everlasting.
— LSB 645:1, Built on the Rock

Glory be to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, One God, Now and Forever, Unto the Ages of Ages, AMEN!