Leaving Egypt Behind

Scripture: Exodus 12:39, For it had not become leavened, since they were driven out of Egypt and could not delay, nor had they prepared any provision for themselves.

Laden with parcels and packages while shopping, we reach a point where we stop. We are filled up. Errands, chores, activities, pleasures, obligations load our hours, days, weeks. We are pressed for seconds.

What a contrast to Israel. Called by God to move in haste, they left with no provisions. Except one. His promise to lead and provide. They walked a wilderness in faith, looking to God alone.

Lord I know that I often rely on tangible foundations. Qualifications, quantities, quotas establish a safe environment for me to serve You. Like a soft blanket for a child I can clutch them in my mind and carry them into new situations.

Wrapped up in self-made plans leaves no room for You, though. I need to be empty in order to be filled. I need to be un-encumbered in order to travel light. I need to be enabled to pray “Thy will be done.” Teach me Lord to walk with empty arms and eyes of faith.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 81:10

“I, the Lord, am your God,

Who brought you up from the land of Egypt;

Open your mouth wide and I will fill it.

Leaving Egypt Behind

Scripture: Exodus 12:14, Now this day will be a memorial to you, and you shall celebrate it as a feast to the Lord; throughout your generations you are to celebrate it as a permanent ordinance.

During family feasts, children often love to eavesdrop on grown-ups. They hear stories passed on from generation to generation, the antics of now staid adults, the memories of their parents.

Joyous ones, funny ones, favorite ones are usually embellished. Once the youngsters grow bored and leave, sad moments and dark days are told in lowered tones. They combine fact grounded events with a mysterious, once upon a time, distance. These threads of heritage form bands that last a life-time, providing identity and foundation.

“Observe this event” God told Israel. The Lord God Himself descended from heaven to execute judgment, to free His people. Not a story, not a dream.

“Observe this rite.” Pass it on to each family member that the Passover may not be forgotten or lost in dulled memories. Keep it fresh so each generation may know His name, His power, His love, His possibilities.

I forget to worship as I should, Lord, with honor and thanksgiving for Your heritage to me. You continue to save throughout the ages, grafting each of us into Your family, Your stories, Your truths. May I acknowledge and celebrate You, everyday.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 100:5

For the Lord is good;

His lovingkindness is everlasting,

And His faithfulness to all generations.

Leaving Egypt Behind

Scripture: Exodus 12:13, “And the blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you live; and when I see the blood I will pass over you, and no plague will befall you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt.”

Powerful forces form against us,

envoys of Satan’s realm:

sin, sickness, evil deeds

cloaked in luring lies.

Provision found flowing through

the blood, executed by law.

Streaked on door-posts, down the

cross, pass over lives.

Payment furnished, freedom’s given

gift endowed, by Sovereign grace.

Salvation sent, evidence

Christ: limitless love.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 55:18

He will redeem my soul in peace from the battle which is against me,

For they are many who strive with me.

Leaving Egypt Behind

Scripture: Exodus 12:3-4, …a lamb for each household. Now if the household is too small for a lamb, then he and his neighbor nearest to his house are to take one according to the number of persons in them; according to what each man should eat, you are to divide the lamb.

A close friend often cooks and caters special gatherings. Her main measure is an anticipated number of participants. From that figure, regardless of menu, she calculates the quantities necessary to feed each guest plus a few last minute arrivals. Each person is fed. It is only necessary that they choose to participate.

God provided for Israel. He requested they prepare a lamb, which was readily available, share household to household, eat the meal. Not one person was to be exempt. Not by family size or social standing or economics. Infant to elderly, all were invited, to partake: by choice, by faith, by self, within community.

And we are still invited to the Lord’s table. He asks us to partake by faith, as individuals amidst congregations, choosing to affirm God’s Passover Lamb, Jesus.

Thank you Lord for Your personal invitation to Your family. Help me to remember that no one is excluded. Help me to remember that my neighbor is the one closest to me and that I am to share responsibly.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 22:26

The afflicted shall eat and be satisfied;

Those who seek Him will praise the Lord.

Let your heart live forever!

Leaving Egypt Behind

Scripture: Exodus 12:2, “This month shall be the beginning of months for you;”

Beginnings: from this time on, new life, new start, new birth, anticipated with joy.

Life begins at the end of a cold, dark winter with tiny buds and pale green shoots.

Life begins at the end of a long wait.

Life begins for Israel with separation from Egypt to life with God.

Life begins with separation from sin and selfishness to a life lived unto God.

Life begins when we are plucked from death into eternity.

Life begins when that which is old is passed away and behold all things are new.

Life begins with a second chance-to begin again.

Life begins with a baby in Bethlehem.

Life begins, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give to the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life without cost.”

Beginnings: a smile, forgiveness, reconciliation, a hand held with love.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 133:3

It is like the dew of Hermon,

Coming down upon the mountains of Zion;

For there the Lord commanded the blessing-life forever.

Leaving Egypt Behind

Scripture: Exodus 17:16, and he said, “The Lord has sworn; the Lord will have war against Amalek from generation to generation.”

There are battles won once for all, not to be repeated. There are battles warring like invading ants, a persistent, continual threat.

God proclaimed victory over Egypt. God promised permanent war versus Amalek.

Jesus said, “It is finished!” On the cross He vanquished sin and death. Victory, once for all. Yet it is a battle repeated with each decision an individual makes to accept or deny His truth.

Daily our lives pound with unbelief, disbelief. We battle fear for a lifetime. Yet Jesus’ outcome changes not. It is done.

“The Lord has sworn.” He is warring against Amalek in each generation, calling His people to Himself, standing in the breach.

Thank you Lord, that You fight for me. Thank you for Your victorious outcome. May I stand my ground when each skirmish hits, firm in Your conquest.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 33:11

The counsel of the Lord stands forever,

The plans of His heart from generation to generation.

Leaving Egypt Behind

Scripture: Exodus 10:24,…Go, serve the Lord; only let your flocks and herds be detained.

Pharaoh knew that if Moses left the flocks and herds behind, the people would return. And his words seemed so reasonable. Leave something here so we’ll know you are returning. Compromise a little. It’s just a minor detail. Just agree to this small item and we’ll give you your request. And Pharaoh’s words were tempting. If the Promised Land doesn’t quite measure up you can always return to the security of sameness, the familiar blanket bondage gives. Retain your options.

But Lord, You don’t settle for partial. You ask for all, not bits and pieces, here and there, but everything.

Moses could not and would not compromise. He knew You had chosen Israel and called Israel to choose You. He was ready to obey Your will in full.

Accepting Your conditions can be tough for me sometimes, actually most times. Yet Your way cuts the ropes that keep me tied to Egypt. Your word guides me.

Forgive me, Lord, for only making partial commitments and giving half-hearted service to You. Free me from compromise, from lukewarm decisions. Free me to serve You with my whole being, as Moses did. Free me to stand firm on Your principles and have the courage not to settle for Egypt’s comfort.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 135:4

For the Lord has chosen Jacob for Himself,

Israel for His own possession.