Remembering
The highlight of today was driving myself to Lakewood for the fist time since my illness. I had an eye doctor appointment and wanted to make sure that Dr. Loomis (my eye doc the last 15 years or so) was the one doing the evaluation. From what I can tell my West Nile infection and Myasthenia Gravis had not impact my vision as much as I had thought. During my high acute-care hospital stay there was some concern about my eyes and the impact of my medical condition on my vision.
I had lunch today with the new Executive Director for Teen Challenge and my former co-worker Gina Brummett. We are believing for great things for this important ministry and will keep Cary Coffey in our prayers.
After working on my presentation for my Rotary meeting on Friday morning, I went to Christian and Bridget’s home for dinner and was able to attend Riley’s baseball game. He did well and I tried to make sure Eliana had grandpa’s attention.
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “You shall tell your son on that day, ‘It is because of what the Lord did for me when I came out of Egypt.’ And it shall be to you as a sign on your hand and as a memorial between your eyes, that the law of the Lord may be in your mouth. For with a strong hand the Lord has brought you out of Egypt. You shall therefore keep this statute at its appointed time from year to year.” Exodus 13:8-10
The Passover marked the final judgment on Egypt and established the “Independence Day” for the Hebrew slaves. As this final plague took place each family had to follow the instructions given by God through Moses. Since the third plague, the land of Goshen had been under Divine protection from the plagues that visited the land of Egypt. They would be protected during this final plague as well, if they followed the instructions of placing the blood on the door post after bringing the sacrificial lamb into the house.
This day marked the beginning of their calendar. It was going to be the first day of the first month of their year. It was to be celebrated annually along with the Feast of Unleavened Bread as an ongoing reminder of God’s saving, delivering power and God’s care for His people.
I find it of interest as the history of God’s people unfolds the Passover became a forgotten event. That would be like never celebrating New Years or more specially July 4th. This date in American history at least provides the opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices and dedication that brought the United States political freedom.
The failure of Israel to celebrate God’s deliverance from slavery resulted in passivity, spiritual and moral compromise and idolatry. The Lord God was viewed as no more significant or powerful than the calf idol or any other image of the pagan nations. Remembrances of the past became ritual and ancient history.
How does this apply to us? We celebrate the Lord’s supper to remember Christ’s sacrifice on Calvary, but it is equally important to remember our day of freedom from the slavery to sin when we surrendered our life to Christ. The outward testimony of that inward work is pictured in baptism. I recall a more liturgical denomination encouraging members to “remember your baptism.”
That came to mind as I reflected on the Passover and Feast of Unleavened Bread as I read Exodus. Perhaps there is some merit to that as far as taking time to reflect on God’s delivering work in our personal lives.
I recall some years ago a pastor sharing about a man who had lived a wild life before coming to Christ. He asked him one day if he was ever tempted to go back to some old habits or way of living. His response was “everyday!” But he said what made the difference is recalling his baptism and that he was new creation in Christ and that “old self” was dead and gone!
We place a lot of emphasis on our physical birthdays. Perhaps you need to begin marking your “spiritual birthday” or some other tradition or celebration that will help you remember your life transformation through Christ. And then use that time to share your story with your children and reinforce Bible-based, Christ-centered values to your family.