Day 2: Pursue God’s Promise
REMINDER:
Join us as we “pursue God” in worship & intercession this Friday, 7pm @the Place!
Exodus 12:11-14, 25-27 [New Living Translation]
11 "These are your instructions for eating this meal: Be fully dressed, wear your sandals, and carry your walking stick in your hand. Eat the meal with urgency, for this is the Lord 's Passover. 12 On that night I will pass through the land of Egypt and strike down every firstborn son and firstborn male animal in the land of Egypt. I will execute judgment against all the gods of Egypt, for I am the Lord ! 13 But the blood on your doorposts will serve as a sign, marking the houses where you are staying. When I see the blood, I will pass over you. This plague of death will not touch you when I strike the land of Egypt. 14 "This is a day to remember. Each year, from generation to generation, you must celebrate it as a special festival to the Lord . This is a law for all time…. 25 When you enter the land the Lord has promised to give you, you will continue to observe this ceremony. 26 Then your children will ask, 'What does this ceremony mean?' 27 And you will reply, 'It is the Passover sacrifice to the Lord, for he passed over the houses of the Israelites in Egypt. And though he struck the Egyptians, he spared our families.'"
In Exodus 12, God gives the Israelites clear instructions for celebrating the Passover, a moment to remember His deliverance. They are to eat the meal with urgency, fully dressed, ready to go, as the Lord prepares to pass through Egypt. That night, He will strike down every firstborn son and male animal in Egypt, but the blood on the Israelites’ doorposts will mark their homes for protection. This act of faith would keep them safe from the plague and would become a lasting reminder of God’s power and faithfulness.
The Israelites are instructed to observe the Passover every year, from generation to generation. It is a way to remember how God spared them from death and delivered them from slavery in Egypt. This celebration is not just a ritual but a way to pass on the story of God's miraculous work to future generations. When their children ask about it, the Israelites are to tell them that it was God's sacrifice that saved them, and that He struck down the Egyptians but spared their families.
The Passover serves as a powerful reminder of God's role in their freedom. For 430 years, the Israelites were in slavery, crying out to God for deliverance. It is hard for us, in a world that demands quick answers, to wait for God’s timing. But the story of the Israelites teaches us that God's timing is perfect, even when it seems like the answer is delayed. Freedom didn’t come overnight, but when God moved, it was in a mighty and undeniable way.
As we seek to pursue God's promises, we should remember His goodness and faithfulness. Like the Israelites, we may be waiting for God to answer our prayers or fulfill His promises. It can be hard to wait, especially when it feels like nothing is happening. But just as God did not forget His people after centuries of waiting, He will not forget us. Our waiting is never in vain; God always moves in His perfect timing.
If you are waiting for God to deliver, keep praying, keep hoping, and keep trusting. This year, remind yourself of the miracles God has already done, and hold on to the hope that He will fulfill His promises. It may not come as quickly as we want, but God will deliver in His perfect time. Keep believing, because your answer may be closer than you think.
QUESTIONS FOR PERSONAL REFLECTION
1. Make today a day to remember God’s goodness and faithfulness. Take some time to reflect on the many ways God has shown His love and care for you in 2024. Write down the moments when you’ve seen His goodness in your life. How can you share these stories with the next generation in your family to encourage them and remind them of God’s faithfulness? Let your story inspire others to trust in Him too.
2. What promises of God are you currently waiting for, and how can you strengthen your faith while you wait for His perfect timing?
PRAY FOR…
Pray for your family. Ask Jesus to be the Lord and Savior of every member.
Pray for the parents—may they lead with love and faith, guiding their family in a way that honors Christ. Pray they raise children who honor God.
Pray for the children—ask God to protect them from the world’s influences, and that they will trust Jesus now and forever.
Pray for the transformation of families, that they may grow in faith and love.
