One of the key ingredients for true discipleship is learning how to be part of a family—whether that be our natural family or the family of God. Learning to live in a committed way with people is a tremendous challenge for all of us. Nothing confronts our character so much as living with other people. Our weaknesses are exposed, our selfishness confronted and our love is tested. But as ironic as it may sound, these are some of the things that cause us to mature as disciples of Jesus Christ. Proverbs (27:17) captures this idea when it says, “iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” It’s the friction that takes place between people that fits us for service. At least it does in people who submit to the Lord and seek His help. These learn to forgive, repent, pray, wait, love, serve, submit and lead. Those who run away from this process tend to remain immature and never realize their full potential for ministry.

Today we’re going to learn some valuable lessons about family by observing a very painful moment in the marriage of Moses and Zipporah. Yet, it teaches lessons that both and women need to hear because some of God’s attitudes about family are clearly revealed here. And after all, “family is God’s idea (Eph 3:14, 15). He’s the One who calls us into family.