A “through the bible” devotion from Exodus 12.
It’s only been in my lifetime that satellite images, doppler radar, and computer models have equipped meteorologists to warn us of approaching hurricanes a week before they arrive. I am certain that a century ago, those who dared live in a pre-air conditioned Florida looked felt the wind, saw the surf kick up, and concluded, “Yep, looks like a big storm’s coming.” Today, living in Florida, the hint of a tropical wave drifting off the coast of the African continent generates a week’s worth of excitement for those who love to predict the path of a coming storm.
I am thankful for the extra time to prepare for severe weather. I have spend the night listening to the wind and rain of a category four hurricane, wondering which tree will come through my roof and when our power will be restored.
I’ve prepared for storms that never materialized, too. I’ve cancelled appointments, stocked up on supplies, brought every loose item in from the back yard, and bought extra gas for the generator. But the rain never came. It was a breezy day, but I still saw blue in the sky. I hate to admit it, but if it happens enough, one tends to pay minimal attention to those dire predictions.
As God prepares his people to leave Egypt, he instructs them to paint the door posts and lintels of their homes with the blood of a lamb they will roast and eat that night. Moses passes along these instructions:
“Now you shall eat it in this way: with your garment belted around your waist, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and you shall eat it in a hurry—it is the Lord’s Passover” (Exodus 12:11).
In other words, follow these instructions with confidence and certainty. God is going to do this. You are going to leave Egypt tomorrow!
So what if we lived as if God were going to do exactly what he says? Like the person who prayed for rain and left the house carrying an umbrella. Or the people in a wilderness who only gathered up what they needed for one day, confident of God’s daily provision (Exodus 16:4). Some household budgets include a tithe, because God promises to give even more (Malachi 3:10).
If you know God at all, you know he’s faithful. Become familiar with his promises. And then live with the confidence that he will do it!
Waite for it... 