Read Exodus 18:1-27

“Then Moses let his father-in-law depart, and he went his way to his own land.” (Exodus 18:27)

Jethro, the father-in-law of Moses, is somewhat of a mysterious figure in the Old Testament. We know little about him, and yet every time he is mentioned, he is doing something significant that gives way to the will of God.

The first time we meet Jethro we learn that he was both the priest of Midian and a shepherd of a large flock (see Exodus 2:16). He hadm seven daughters, one of whom he gave in marriage to Moses named Zipporah. We also get the impression that he was a hospitable and thankful man (see Exodus 2:20-21).

In being the priest and spiritual leader of Midian, it’s hard to know what Jethro’s spiritual practices were like and what god or gods he worshipped. The Midianites were descendants of Abraham through Abraham’s later wife Keturah after Sarah passed away (see Genesis 25:1-2), however the Midianites were not descendants of the promised line of Isaac. This would suggest that the Midianites, though not Israelites, would have a religion originally built on the knowledge of the God of Abraham. Jethro’s faith must not have been radically different than Moses’; otherwise, it is hard to think of Moses choosing to dwell with a pagan worshipper.

Sadly, however, it is not much later in history we see the Midianites joining company with the Moabites in attacking Israel (see Number 22:4, 7). At this point, they appear as a people group to have given over to worshipping Baal of Peor (see Numbers 25:1-2) who was a false god of the Canaanites; and tragically, the women of Midian were involved in seducing Israel into committing perverse worship of false gods (see Numbers 25:6). God plagued Israel for this, and it wasn’t until Phinehas interceded by driving a javelin through the provoking Israelite man and Midianite adulteress that the plague was stopped (see Numbers 25:7-8).

So then, we must ask: Whatever became of Jethro, the father-in-law of Moses, in all of this? The answer is given in verse 9.

“And Moses told his father-in-law all that the LORD had done to Pharaoh and to the Egyptians for Israel’s sake, all the hardship that had come upon them on the way, and how the LORD had delivered them. Then Jethro rejoiced for all the good which the LORD had done for Israel, whom He had delivered out of the hand of the Egyptians.” (Exodus 18:8–9)

*“Now I know that the LORD is greater than all the gods; for in the very thing in which they behaved proudly, He was above them.” Then Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, took a burnt offering and other sacrifices to offer to God. And Aaron came with all the elders of Israel to eat bread with Moses’ father-in-law before God.”

(Exodus 18:11–12)*

I believe we can say confidently — Jethro was converted to the true and living God! At the testimony of Moses about God’s mighty works in redeeming Israel out of Egypt, we see Jethro responding in unhindered worship and faith in the God of Israel. And not just as another god, but as the One True God.

What do you think the people of Midian thought of Jethro’s new faith?

It’s hard to say — but it’s no coincidence that this is the last chapter in the Bible Jethro is ever mentioned. And in it, what do we find? We find Jethro worshipping the true God of heaven and serving the people of Israel at the side of Moses (see Exodus 18:19).

It’s only after this that we discover Jethro returned to his own land (see Exodus 18:27).

What an opportunity! Jethro, as the priest of the land, was given a prime occasion to lead his people to God of gods — the only God! His office moved from priest to prophet, as he would declare the mighty acts of God to his people.

It reminds me of what our Lord Jesus said to the man He saved from the legion of demons.

“Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you.” And [the man] departed and began to proclaim in Decapolis all that Jesus had done for him; and all marveled.” (Mark 5:19–20)

What an example this leaves us. Yes, we are called to “come out from among them” in regards to sinful practices (see 2 Cor. 6:17), but we must return to our land to proclaim all that Jesus has done for us! We often magnify the reaching of the nations for Christ by starting far away, when in reality He has called us to preach to those in our own backyard.

Jesus gave His disciples this strategy right before He ascended into heaven.

“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)

Jerusalem, their home, is where they were to start preaching the gospel.

In this way, the Lord Jesus calls us to "Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done!" Therefore, pray today that the Lord Jesus would open doors for you to share the gospel in this manner. He placed you in their midst as a light in a dark place, so shine as lights! For in this, we allow the gospel to go forth even to the ends of the earth.