And Yisro, the chieftain of Midian, father-in-law of Moshe, heard all that G-d had done for Moshe and for Israel, His people, that HASHEM had taken Israel out of Egypt. (Shemos 18:1)
And Yisro…heard: What news did he hear that [made such an impression that] he came? The splitting of the Red Sea and the war with Amalek. — Rashi
What a great testament to the greatness of Yisro! He came to join the Jewish People after hearing the incredible news about the miraculous exodus from Egypt. He decided to become part of the Jewish Nation. What could be more noble!? Now, wait a second! I thought that we don’t accept converts in the times of Moshiach. (Yevamos 24:B) We’re not looking for fair weather fans that jump on board when we’ve won the world championship. It’s too late by then. You have to join during the struggling years and tough times to be considered a true devotee. How can we not suspect Yisro’s motive here and at least pause to wonder about his sincerity?!
Now, was Yisro the only one that heard about these events? No! The whole world was affected by the splitting of the sea. Everyone was aware that HASHEM was doing battle for the Jewish People. During the Shira, the Song at the Sea, they sang, “Peoples heard, they trembled; a shudder seized the inhabitants of Philistia. Then the chieftains of Edom were startled; [as for] the powerful men of Moab, trembling seized them; all the inhabitants of Canaan melted. (Shemos 15:14-15)
It would seem that the rest of the world was quaking in their boots. They were beyond frightened by the implications of HASHEM taking up the cause of the Jewish People and granting them supremacy.
So, now the question is, what was their next move? Why didn’t they all run into the desert and join the Jewish People like Yisro? The Meor Einayim says that there is “hearing” and there is “hearing”. Some only hear the words but fail to act while others, few others, understand the import of the message, take it to heart, and respond responsibly.
When a fireman or a Hatzala member gets a call, they jump into action without hesitation. They know what that alarm, what that signal means. Everyone else watches them or shrugs their shoulders or ignores it altogether. It’s not speaking to them.
When Avraham Avinu was visited with these words from HASHEM he too went immediately into action mode, “…Lech Lecha – Go for yourself from your land, from your birthplace, and from your father’s house, to the land that I will show you…” (Breishis 12:1) The Ramban asks an almost obvious question on these initial words. Why is there no explanation why HASHEM is talking to him? Suddenly, he is in the spotlight of history. Sure, we have loads of information in the Oral Torah about Avram’s youth and his search for G-d, courageously destroying idols in his father’s shop, and his willingness to go into a fiery furnace rather than submit to idolatry. These events are not explicitly spelled out. Why was he worthy of being spoken to by HASHEM?
The Sefas Emes offers a stunning explanation to this question. He quotes a Zohar that states, “Woe to those people who sleep in their caves, while Avraham Avinu of Blessed Memory, heard and accepted.” The Sefas Emes sees a profound implication in that Zohar. He says that those words “Lech Lecha” that launched our national mission, were not only said to Avraham. It was announced then and is announced constantly ever since to everybody, and this was the great praise of Avarham that made him worthy. The fact that he heard and responded makes it as if HASHEM was speaking only to him.
Many, in their caves, are not in the listening mode. Some hear but are unresponsive. Avraham heard and was responsive. HASHEM is saying to the whole world constantly to keep moving, begin, do better, come closer, but that message is only for those who hear it well and respond responsibly.
When Yisro heard about the splitting of the sea and there was still fierce opposition from Amalek, while everyone else is still on the sidelines, he understood, “the game is not over yet”. Then he decided, he better join the winning team.