Yitro יִתְרוֹ - Jethro
Torah Portion: Exodus: 18:1-20:22
Exodus 19:1–6
19 "...In the third month after the children of Israel had gone out of the land of Egypt, on that same day, they came into the wilderness of Sinai. 2 When they had departed from Rephidim, and had come to the wilderness of Sinai, they encamped in the wilderness; and there Israel encamped before the mountain. 3 Moses went up to Elohim, and Hashem called to him out of the mountain, saying, “This is what you shall tell the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel: 4 ‘You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings, and brought you to Myself. 5 Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be My own possession from among all peoples; for all the earth is Mine; 6 and you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words which you shall speak to the children of Israel.”
Today’s Meditation:
Imagine this. Hashem lifts you up on an eagle’s wing (verse 4) and carries you home. Of course, He did not literally do this to the Hebrew people, but it was like He did. He lifted them out of slavery and delivered them to freedom. I can recall times in my life when Hashem rescued me from a difficult situation. In fact, one time I was in a car with a friend. We had been drinking alcohol. My friend ran a red light while I was in the passenger seat. Cars were approaching in both directions, so I closed my eyes. And somehow we got through the intersection. I remember thinking that angels lifted us over the cars. Now, I know that Hashem literally “lifted” me up on eagle's wings. Has this ever happened to you where you know Hashem intervened in a situation in some amazing, miraculous way? Praise Him for making it through.
Today’s Challenge:
In verse 5, we read, “...for all the earth is Mine.” Have we forgotten this? Do we try to take control of things in our personal lives rather than consult Hashem? Do we think that we have the final say about what happens in our lives? We sure act like it. We get mad when things don’t go our way, yet we forget that Hashem is ultimately in charge. I challenge you today to take a moment to reflect on the issues in your life. Take the time to list them and return each one to Hashem. And repent for trying to take charge of them. Go with His plan. It is the best way to go. It may not be your choice anyway.
