ESOCS Devotional 5 June 2024 – Extol the Greatness of God
MEMORY VERSE: “Now I know that the LORD is greater than all gods: for in the thing wherein they dealt proudly he was above them.”Exodus 18:11TEXT: EXODUS 18:1-12
And Jethro, the priest of Midian, Moses’ father-in-law, heard of all that God had done for Moses and for Israel His people—that the Lord had brought Israel out of Egypt. 2 Then Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, took Zipporah, Moses’ wife, after he had sent her back, 3 with her two sons, of whom the name of one was Gershom (for he said, “I have been a stranger in a foreign land”) 4 and the name of the other was Eliezer (for he said, “The God of my father was my help, and delivered me from the sword of Pharaoh”); 5 and Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, came with his sons and his wife to Moses in the wilderness, where he was encamped at the mountain of God. 6 Now he had said to Moses, “I, your father-in-law Jethro, am coming to you with your wife and her two sons with her.”
7 So Moses went out to meet his father-in-law, bowed down, and kissed him. And they asked each other about their well-being, and they went into the tent. 8 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. 9 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. 10 And Jethro said, “Blessed be the Lord, who has delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians and out of the hand of Pharaoh, and who has delivered the people from under the hand of the Egyptians. 11 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.” 12 Then Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, ook 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.
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Our God, the maker of heaven and earth, the glory of Israel and the Father of all is great. And His greatness cannot be equalled and fathomed.
This was the position of the father-in-law of Moses. He said he knew that the LORD Jehovah is greater than all gods. This means that He (Jehovah) has no god anywhere that can match Him. He is way above all, whatever be their actions and claims.
Brethren, you will notice that this extolling of God by Moses’ father-in-law came as a result of the testimony of Moses. Moses testified of the mighty deliverances God wrought for them. How He dealt with Pharoah and the Egyptians to bring them out of their land where they were treated as slaves under heavy tasks. The testimony made a huge and deep impression on Moses’ father-in-law. This led the Priest of Midian to extol the greatness of the God of Israel over other gods. He also sacrificed to the great God of Israel.
Beloved, when we speak greatly of our God it influences others to acknowledge Him in that regard. Extolling God can only be from a heart that is full of gratitude and is in love with God; that believes in His goodness, no matter the situation. That heart will always find reasons to praise God. When you do not think highly of your God and do not trust Him implicitly, unbelievers will suggest their little gods in your times of need, and you may fall for it. Beware!
Our testimony of God determines how others see Him. We should make a habit of extolling the goodness, faithfulness, mercy and greatness of God at all times. Above all, we are to always extol Him for His great love and redemption He granted us in Christ Jesus.
- What has been your testimony about God? Is it the one that brings praise and glory to Him?
- Father, by your Spirit, grant me the grace to have the heart that praises you always.
Further Reading: 2 Kings 18:13:25; Mark 8:22-26; Romans 7:1-12
ESOCS Devotional 5 June 2024
