He said, ‘Praise be to the Lord, who rescued you from the hand of the Egyptians and of Pharaoh, and who rescued the people from the hand of the Egyptians. 11 Now I know that the Lord is greater than all other gods, for he did this to those who had treated Israel arrogantly.’ 12 Then Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, brought a burnt offering and other sacrifices to God, and Aaron came with all the elders of Israel to eat a meal with Moses’ father-in-law in the presence of God.

There is nothing more wonderful than one sinner repenting, one person turning to God. We sometimes get carried away with crowds and large numbers, but we must not lose sight of the miracle and mystery of an individual conversion.

It looks like this is a conversion story. Someone pointed out that the “burnt offering” represents totality and wholeness – everything given to God. It would appear that Jethro is formally welcomed into membership of the Israelite community with this fellowship meal, and, as the sequel will show, his input and involvement – his participation – is welcomed. He is able to play his part, to have a sense of contribution.

Let’s not forget that the risen Jesus seeks for the one lost coin, the one lost sheep, the one lost son; and that son always has a name. This one’s name was Jethro.