S) "8 You shall tell your son on that day, saying, 'It is because of what the LORD did for me when I came out of Egypt.'"
Exodus 13:8 (NASB)
O) Moses was instructing the people of Israel about some of the new traditions they will be keeping, to commemorate the Exodus. They are to hold the feast of Passover, eating only unleavened bread for seven days. Also, he instructed them to consecrate their firstborn to the LORD, whether sons or livestock. Throughout the chapter, there are many instructions given to teach future generations about these traditions, and what they mean. Here in v.8, though, we see a small variation in wording. Instead of using inclusive pronouns like "we" and "us" Moses tells the people to say, "... what the LORD did for me when I came out of Egypt." Using that type of wording makes this a much more personal retelling of the Exodus. This first generation that was leaving Egypt, they were oppressed, suffering hardships, and under heavy persecution. Pharaoh was slaughtering their sons. The deliverance God gave them was for them all together, but it was also very personal, very direct.
A) Our faith is an old one. Christianity is only two thousand some-odd years old, but our faith in the LORD dates back another few millennia. Because of that, sometimes when I read the Bible it can be hard to relate these ancient stories of a living God, to my life in the present day. If my faith is only based on what has happened four thousand years ago, or even two thousand years ago, then my faith is at risk of being quite literally dead to me. This is why it is so vital that I am fully aware of what God has done for me, personally. Not only is it important that I know it for myself, but it is vital that I can relate my story to others. The Bible is the foundation of my faith. The Bible is the final authority in my life. The Bible is not the entirety of my testimony of the Living God. I serve God because of what the LORD did for me when I got married, when I became a father, when I moved from Washington to California, when my mother died. The details of my own life are proof positive of what the Bible tells me: God is real and He loves me.
P) Father, the grace You have shown me is evident from my very birth. You preserved my life despite those who opposed me. After my birth, You continued to keep Your hand over me, protecting me and providing for me. When I was grown, You were faithful when You gave me my wife. Despite my attempts to leave You out of my life, You were gracious to invade it. You proved Yourself as a faithful provider, protector, counselor, comforter. You took my heart of stone and gave me a heart of flesh, humbling my pride, giving me a heart to serve. Give me the words, Father, to articulate all of my life's testimony. Help me teach my kids how personal of a God You have proven Yourself to be. Let them, and others, see that You are alive and active in my life. I serve You because of what You did for me when... Be glorified in my testimony, LORD. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
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