Titus 2:7-8 English Standard Version

7 Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, 8 and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.

2 Corinthians 8:23 English Standard Version (ESV) As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker for your benefit. And as for our brothers, they are messengers[a] of the churches, the glory of Christ.

Footnote [a] Greek apostles

Paul’s description of Titus is one of a type of apostle. We often refer to the apostles as being disciples of Christ who walked with Him during His pre-cross ministry. I am not going to argue that point but having searched Titus’ assignments it sounds more like the work of a shepherd.

Shepherds tend to the needs of the flock where the flock might be their own, or is a hireling. Another name for a shepherd is pastor. Neither are listed in service groups listed in 1 Corinthians 12:28 but are included in Ephesians 4:11.

In neither case were they identified as teachers. Perhaps Paul’s addressing Titus’ teaching as being another type of teacher. This is a teacher type we all share in regardless of education or title. It is leading by example.

Years ago a team returning from the missionary field in Russia made a rather compelling comment about the Russian people. “They do not ask questions but observe carefully how we treat one another.” The idea being if we could not love one another, we could not love them.

It does not matter what we say if our life reflects the actions of a hypocrite.

Exodus 18:19 English Standard Version (ESV) Now obey my voice; I will give you advice, and God be with you! You shall represent the people before God and bring their cases to God,

What I am about to write is what I see and should be weighed as nothing more than one man’s insight. It does not say everything that is to be learned in those passages that we might have meditated upon two days ago.

Jethro is Moses’ father-in-law and there is history and respect in that relationship. Jethro has some intimate knowledge of Moses, his calling and his special relationship with the God Jethro believes is the one true God. What tribe Jethro came from is irrelevant, his belief is in the one true God.

Jethro speaks into Moses’ life calling in the arena of intercession. This is a portion of the foreshadowing spirit of Christ. Moses and Christ are both intercessors.

Moses and Christ are both men. Jethro does not know about Jesus Christ but he does know what it means to be a man with authority over others. Jethro has life experience. He knows that if Moses stands alone before his people in the wilderness, they will wear him down with many things that are not of a spiritual nature.

Jethro’s advice to Moses is directed to Moses’ humanity, not his calling. It is advice that shall be repeated in the future because it is sound advice.

Acts 6:2-3 English Standard Version

2 And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. 3 Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty.

We must feed the soul and the body. Neither can be neglected if the body of Christ is to move forward to the promise.

What I see is what I see. I can share it but weigh it in the light of the Lord and not in any influence my words might have.

We can feed you the word of the Lord but digestion is up to you.