October 4, 2024

October 4:  Happy People.

The Joy Found in Deliverance.
And Moses told his father-in-law all that the Lord had done to Pharaoh and to the Egyptians for Israel's sake, and 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, NKJV

NOT FAR DISTANT from where the Israelites were now encamped was the home of Jethro, the father-in-law of Moses.  Jethro had heard of the deliverance of the Hebrews, and he now set out to visit them, and restore to Moses his wife and two sons.  The great leader was informed by messengers of their approach, and he went out with joy to meet them, and, the first greetings over, conducted them to his tent.  He had sent back his family when on his way to the perils of leading Israel from Egypt, but now he could again enjoy the relief and comfort of their society.  To Jethro he recounted the wonderful dealings of God with Israel, and the patriarch rejoiced and blessed the Lord, and with Moses and the elders he united in offering sacrifice and holding a solemn feast in commemoration of God's mercy.--Patriarchs and Prophets, 300.

                          Jethro said, "Blessed be the Lord, who has delivered you
                    from the Egyptians and from Pharaoh.  Now I know that the Lord
                is greater than all gods, because he delivered the people from the Egyptians,
                                          when they dealt arrogantly with them."
                              
                                                              --Exodus 18:10, 11, NRSV