Honor, Honesty, and Hope

Jason Smith   -   June 22, 2025

Exodus 18:1–12 (NASB95)

1 Now Jethro, the priest of Midian, Moses’ father-in-law, heard of all that God had done for Moses and for Israel His people, how the Lord had brought Israel out of Egypt. 2 Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, took Moses’ wife Zipporah, after he had sent her away, 3 and her two sons, of whom one was named Gershom, for Moses said, “I have been a sojourner in a foreign land.” 4 The other was named Eliezer, for he said, “The God of my father was my help, and delivered me from the sword of Pharaoh.” 5 Then Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, came with his sons and his wife to Moses in the wilderness where he was camped, at the mount of God. 6 He sent word to Moses, “I, your father-in-law Jethro, am coming to you with your wife and her two sons with her.” 7 Then Moses went out to meet his father-in-law, and he bowed down and kissed him; and they asked each other of their welfare and went into the tent. 8 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 befallen them on the journey, and how the Lord had delivered them. 9 Jethro rejoiced over all the goodness which the Lord had done to Israel, in delivering them from the hand of the Egyptians. 10 So Jethro said, “Blessed be the Lord who delivered you from the hand of the Egyptians and from the hand of Pharaoh, and who delivered the people from under the hand of the Egyptians. 11 “Now I know that the Lord is greater than all the gods; indeed, it was proven when they dealt proudly against the people.” 12 Then Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, took a burnt offering and sacrifices for God, and Aaron came with all the elders of Israel to eat a meal with Moses’ father-in-law before God.

God calls us to share the Gospel with honor, honesty, and hope so that others may come to know and worship Him.

1: Share the Gospel with honor.
Remove barriers by treating others with honor and caring.

Exodus 18:7 (NASB95)

7 Then Moses went out to meet his father-in-law, and he bowed down and kissed him; and they asked each other of their welfare and went into the tent.

  • Moses honored Jethro before he ever preached to him.
  • Sharing the Gospel begins with showing we care.

“Next to the Holy Spirit, the Bible, and the Gospel message, there is nothing more powerful in the process of evangelism than adopting an intentional daily lifestyle of caring for others.” — Dr. David Wheeler

5 Everyday Ways to Care and Honor:

  1. Prayer-walk your neighborhood, workplace, or ballfield. Offer to pray for those you meet.
  2. Help with chores (mow lawns, rake leaves, etc.)
  3. Bake for coworkers, neighbors, or teams.
  4. Remember birthdays and celebrate small moments.
  5. Invite someone over for a meal, game night, or bonfire and look for Gospel conversations.

2: Share the Gospel with honesty.
Build trust by being real and transparent.

Exodus 18:8 (NASB95)

8 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 befallen them on the journey, and how the Lord had delivered them.

“People would rather relate to flawed humans than perfect strangers. Sharing our struggles helps lost people feel safe enough to listen.” Wheeler

3: Share the Gospel with hope.
Rest in the power of God’s work and invite them to trust Him.

Exodus 18:9–12 (NASB95)

9 Jethro rejoiced over all the goodness which the Lord had done to Israel, in delivering them from the hand of the Egyptians. 10 So Jethro said, “Blessed be the Lord who delivered you from the hand of the Egyptians and from the hand of Pharaoh, and who delivered the people from under the hand of the Egyptians. 11 “Now I know that the Lord is greater than all the gods; indeed, it was proven when they dealt proudly against the people.” 12 Then Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, took a burnt offering and sacrifices for God, and Aaron came with all the elders of Israel to eat a meal with Moses’ father-in-law before God.