Mindy Lee Hopman

A Legacy of Hard Work, Determination, and Love

Some fathers-in-law impact the family by their direct presence, and some impact the family by the legacy they leave behind. 

My husband grew up on the continent of Africa. He lived in many different countries, but his favorite country was his beloved Tanzania. He shares wonderful stories of the beautiful people, carving markets, fish markets, swim records, and adventures on the Indian Ocean with his father. They called him Bwana, which in Swahili means “Boss.” 

While Bwana wasn’t always present for his family, he worked hard to provide for them. I only knew him for a few years because Bwana passed away early on in our marriage. At the time, my husband had just helped his father purchase a boat so that he could continue his love of boating and fishing while back in America. After Bwana passed away, my husband purchased Bwana’s boat from my mother-in-law and named it Bwana’s Legacy. 

Even though my father-in-law has not been present, his legacy of hard work, determination, and love of being on the water was passed down to my husband and continues to impact our family to this day!

Today’s Scripture:

El Elyon. God Most High. Psalm 7:17

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 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.

Jethro rejoiced over all the goodness which the LORD had done to Israel, in delivering them from the hand of the Egyptians. 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. ~Exodus 18:7-9, 12 

Now when Moses’ father-in-law saw all that he was doing for the people, he said, “What is this thing that you are doing for the people? Why do you alone sit as judge, and all the people stand about you from morning to evening?” 

Moses said to his father-in-law, “Because the people come to me to inquire of God. When they have a dispute, it comes to me, and I judge between a man and his neighbor and make known the statutes of God and His laws.”

Moses’ father-in-law said to him, “The thing that you are doing is not good. You will surely wear out, both yourself and these people who are with you, for the task is too heavy for you; you cannot do it alone.” ~Exodus 18:14-18

“… 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 … Let them judge the people at all times; and let it be that every major dispute they will bring to you, but every minor dispute they themselves will judge. So it will be easier for you, and they will bear the burden with you. If you do this thing and God so commands you, then you will be able to endure, and all these people also will go to their place in peace.” So Moses listened to his father-in-law and did all that he had said. ~Exodus 18:21-24, selected

Today’s Snapshot: A Guiding Father-in-Law

Moses and his father-in-law Jethro (the Priest of Midian) had a strong relationship. Jethro filled the shoes of the father Moses never had. Moses earned Jethro’s respect, and Jethro supported Moses. Their relationship grew stronger as they spent time together in fellowship.

After Jethro praised God and rejoiced, he spent time with Moses and his family. During this time, Jethro became quite concerned for Moses. His burden was too heavy. Each day, from sunup to sundown, Moses sat alone and judged the people. When there was a disagreement, the people took it to Moses, and he settled it. Jethro saw this was not wise, so he lovingly gave Moses counsel to keep from wearing himself out.

He told Moses that Moses could not handle all the disputes on his own. He needed to find other Godly men who did not desire selfish gain, train them in God’s law, and let them help by judging the smaller disputes.

Moses needed to delegate some of the responsibility to other Godly leaders! They would bear the smaller burdens, and the larger disagreements should be brought to Moses’ attention (Exodus 18).

Moses followed the wisdom of his father-in-law, who loved him.

Jethro’s wisdom—and Moses’ ability to humbly listen to him—impacted the great Hebrew nation and paved the way for the King of kings to come to this world.

Family Discussion:

• Who helps you make decisions in your family?
• Do you have a father-in-law in your family who has made an impact directly or indirectly? If so, how?

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father,

We praise You for the Godly men whom You sent to impact a nation so many years ago. We thank You for the loving, honest relationship between Moses and Jethro. We praise You for the lesson of humility Moses demonstrated in his respect for his family elder, so much so that when Jethro extended wisdom and guidance, Moses gladly responded and the nation continued to thrive under Moses’s leadership. Thank You for the wisdom of the elders in our families and churches, and the legacy of hard work and determination passed down in many families. Each and every day we are grateful for Your presence. Today, we are one day closer to celebrating the birth of the King of kings, born in the manger centuries ago.

In the precious name of Jesus, we pray,

Amen

This devotional is adapted from Faith Roots: An Advent Family Devotional available for purchase on Amazon.