Judges in the Desert
Tissot, Jethro and Moses
The passage I want to consider today comes from Exodus 18 - Jethro's visit to Moses. But before I dive into that story, I want to mention a detail from the previous two chapters which I had never seen before - at least not in their intended context.
The two major themes of Exodus are interwoven - the deliverance of God's people and the revelation of God's name. These are also the two major themes of Revelation - the revelation of God's Throne, and the final victory of His people in Jesus's name.
When the LORD first calls Moses in the burning bush, Moses asks the LORD his name: “Now they (the Israelites) may say to me, ‘What is His name?’ What shall I say to them?” The LORD responds with a bone-shaking answer, "I AM WHO I AM." Then Moses goes to Pharaoh with the LORD’s message. Pharaoh answers contemptuously, “I do not know YHWH.” So the LORD teaches Pharaoh His name with ten punishing afflictions. The Israelites are taking note as well, learning to fear their own God. They see God’s mighty power act on their behalf, but they do not yet know His tenderness. Thus at Marah, when they complain in disbelief, God reveals Himself as “The LORD, your healer.” Soon afterwards, the LORD gives His people water from a Rock at Rephidim. There He leads to Joshua to victory over Amalek. After the battle, Moses builds an altar to praise “the LORD, my banner.” As God leads the children of Israel through the desert, He is continually revealing new aspects of His name.
This unfolding revelation of God’s name reminds me of Revelation. John’s vision is all about names. Jesus praises the churches who have not denied His name. He promises that the faithful will be marked with His own new name and the name of His God. The Beast, on the other hand, is covered with blasphemous names. Out of its mouth spew curses against God’s name. The final judgment is also about names. Those whose names are written in the Book of Life are saved. Those whose names cannot be found are subject to the second death. When Jesus returns for the the final battle, He comes under at least four names : “Faithful and True,” “The “the Word of God",” “King of Kings and Lord of Lords,” and a name known only to Himself. This King, in turn, will bestow upon each of His beloved a secret name known only to the one who receives it.
Names are important to God. So is justice. As the people wandered through the desert, they were learning God’s ways as well as His name. In fact, learning the ways of God was part and parcel of the their deliverance. Being formed in the character of God was essential to their identity as His people. Before the Law was given, the people were lining up before Moses day and night, asking him to inquire of God about various matters. Moses was sitting as judge over the people, as well as a prophet. When Jethro came to celebrate with Moses, bringing his wife and children, he found that Moses harried and exhausted. Jethro gave Moses some critical advice, which I believe was God’s intent.
“The thing that you are doing is not good. You will surely wear out, both yourself and these people who are with you, because the task is too heavy for you; you cannot do it alone. Now listen to me: I will give you counsel, and God be with you. You be the people’s representative before God, and you bring the disputes to God, then admonish them about the statutes and the laws, and make known to them the way in which they are to walk and the work they are to do. Furthermore, you shall select out of all the people able men who fear God, men of truth, those who hate dishonest gain; and you shall place these over them as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens. Let them judge the people at all times; and let it be that they will bring to you every major matter, but they will judge every minor matter themselves.”
The LORD endorsed this plan by empowering it. In the very next chapter the LORD calls Moses up to Mount Sinai in order to give hime the law which he should teach the people. This Law would make Israel a nation like no other. It would make them wiser than any other people on earth. But it would also make them holy - set apart for God. The least among them would know the mind of God concerning worship and the treatment of their fellow man. The Law made it possible for the people of Israel to judge one another impartially. It enabled them to work with Moses and with God Himself!
This story from Exodus in another foreshadowing, or prefiguring, of the culmination of salvation. In the end, God wants His people to rule with Him. Jesus promised His disciples that they would sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. (Matt 19:28) Paul shamed the believers of Corinth for taking each other to secular courts by reminding them that they would someday judge angels. (I Cor. 6:3) In Revelation Jesus says, “the one who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat with My Father on His throne.” Why God should desire such a thing and how it will happen are mysteries beyond our sight. I only know that it will be glorious to stand with the One who gave the Law in smoke, lightning and thunder! If this is His desire, I want to help administer the fulness of His reign. I want His Law written on my heart.