March 29, 2015: Exodus 12:1-4

We encourage you to read this devotion three times a day.  Start in the morning and reflect upon the morning reflection question. Then in the afternoon, read it again and reflect using the noon question for reflection.  For the evening, take time to ponder how this has resonated with you in the day and reflecting using the evening question.  We offer a prayer with each devotion for you to pray or we invite you to pray what is in your heart.

Exodus 12:1-4

The Lord said to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt:  2 This month shall mark for you the beginning of months; it shall be the first month of the year for you.  3 Tell the whole congregation of Israel that on the tenth of this month they are to take a lamb for each family, a lamb for each household.  4 If a household is too small for a whole lamb, it shall join its closest neighbor in obtaining one; the lamb shall be divided in proportion to the number of people who eat of it.

Reflection: 

This was the instructions for the people of Israel living in slavery during the first Passover. Moses gave these instructions to the people, and it that night was the last of the ten plagues. The people of Israel made this into a holiday and celebrated their deliverance from Israel and God showing mercy on them each year. It was a time of celebration and remembrance. They were meant to remember that God showed mercy and love to them when they were in need. It was also meant to remind them of where they came from, and how to treat others. The Old Testament is full of references to this, God says over and over again to care for the stranger because you were once a stranger in Egypt. I think a new motto for Christians could be to care for those who are lost, suffering and hurting because you were once lost, suffering and hurting before God came into your life.


Reflection Questions: 

 Morning: Do you have a Passover moment in your life? A moment when God became known to you or set you free from something. Take time, and remember
 

Noon: Do you see people in need of deliverance? How can you help?

Evening: What does it mean to celebrate God’s mercy today?

Prayer: God be with me today. Help me to remember where I come from, help me to remember your love and mercy. God, help me to show love and mercy to anyone in need, because you were there for me when I was in need.