Today’s scripture provides for many sermon possibilities. I could have dealt with Moses’ swift departure from Egypt and preached about running from our foes and our fears. I could have taken the second half of our story and played with the notion that here shepherds are not the honored guests of the Christ child but bullies who mistreat all seven of Reuel’s daughters. And a most tempting choice would have been to speak of the “spoils of hospitality.” Just for defending women’s rights, Moses is presented with a prize -- nothing less than one of Reuel’s daughters, Zipporah. I can assure you, however, that it will take much more than providing water for my herds for me to give away in marriage my daughter, Alison, especially to a total stranger!

Instead of the many preaching possibilities, I…