Leading from the Middle

Exodus 18

1. This chapter is divided into two sections: Moses report leading to Jethro's "conversion," and Jethro's advice, leading to Israel's justice system. What do you think these two sections have to do with one another?
   
2. Can you think of a time in your lives where the influence of an older person has been meaningful for the course and direction of your life? How about the influence of a younger person?
   
3. This is most likely Jethro's first declaration of the Lordship of the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. We can't really be sure that this is the end of Jethro's probable polytheism. Nevertheless, Moses is quick to take Jethro's wisdom about how to lead the people. What might this say about the nature of wisdom? Where does it come from? How do we get it? How do we recognize it?
   
4. Look again at the way Jethro arrives at the conclusion that "the Lord is greater than all gods." What did it take? How might this influence the way we share our experience of the Lord's work in our lives?
   

2012 Study Series • Copyright © 2012, Lake Avenue Church