The Egyptians were urgent with the people to send them out of the land in haste. For they said, “We shall all be dead.” (12:33)
It was “go time!” After all the plagues that had no lasting effect on Pharaoh, after all the “Okay, go – no you can’t go” back and forth, Pharaoh and his people finally wanted the Israelites to get out!
They went quickly, taking the dough before it was leavened, and taking the gold and silver jewelry and clothing that they asked of and received from the Egyptians (as God had instructed them to do). An estimated two and a half million people left Egypt.
God did what He said He would do – He showed His power! He delivered His people in a decisive and spectacular way.
There were to be lasting reminders to the Israelites and their descendants of all that God had done: the slaughter of the Passover lamb (12:24-27, the Feast of Unleavened Bread (12:14-20), and the consecration of the firstborn (13:1-2, 11-16). They were to keep these “throughout your generations as a statute forever” (12:14) to remind the generations of what wondrous and amazing things God did for our forefathers! To remind us of His power and His love for us.
Throughout the Bible we see more reminders, feasts that God institutes, stones of remembrance to be set up…all the way to the New Covenant (New Testament) Scriptures where Yeshua (Jesus) celebrates His last Passover seder with his disciples and tells them to remember him, using symbols from the Passover meal. It’s easy to just go through the motions, but let us be thoughtful as we remember, as we celebrate!
And we can set up little remembrances in our own lives – this will be posted in March, but I am writing this on February 1, 2024 – it was forty-five years ago when Alan and I began our official relationship as boyfriend/girlfriend, and we remember every year and thank God for His faithfulness to us all these years (we also enjoy having a meal out to celebrate). Alan knows the exact date he came to faith in Yeshua, so we always remember on that day and are thankful. Do you have special days to remember something that God has done? Some gift He has given?
Prayer: God, I thank You for all the big things You have done – and You have done so many – from giving me life, to giving me new life in Yeshua. And so many other gifts including friends and family. Help me to be aware of all You are doing in and around me – to thank You, to celebrate, and to bring glory to Your name. (Think of specific things in your life to thank God for.)
