Prepare: In what ways do our festivals educate our children? What does the Christmas carol "Santa Claus is coming to town" teach our children about faith in Christ?
Read: Exodus 13:1-16
The death of the firstborn in Egypt was the climax of Israel's deliverance, but it was inextricably tied to the dedication of the firstborn in Israel, as the heritage of God. This dedication, etched the memory of deliverance into each household. Among the surrounding cultures, being firstborn merely mean special inheritance rights. In Israel it was closely linked to their salvation history. This helped sustain their racial memories.
Strangely, the 430 years of slavery in Egypt did not erase the memory of the promise given to Abraham. Abraham did not receive the fulfillment. Isaac did not receive it. Even, Jacob did not receive, but the promise lingered in their national memory (Exodus 12:40, 41; Galatians 3:17). Now, when these slaves return, they seek to claim that promise. So, how do you view the promises that God gives you? Do you continue to belive, even if it is delayed? Or have you stopped believing, because your prayers don't seem to be answered?
The festivals were meant to be educative and instructive. This is how God's promises and God's acts were enmeshed into the cultural fabric of Israel. In what ways, then, what God does influences how you live?
The history of deliverance becomes a permanent part of their collective consciousness. The experience was meant to be indelible, like a branded mark.
Respond: Use Isiah 55:8-13 to confirm your faith in God's promises.
Read: Exodus 13:1-16
The death of the firstborn in Egypt was the climax of Israel's deliverance, but it was inextricably tied to the dedication of the firstborn in Israel, as the heritage of God. This dedication, etched the memory of deliverance into each household. Among the surrounding cultures, being firstborn merely mean special inheritance rights. In Israel it was closely linked to their salvation history. This helped sustain their racial memories.
Strangely, the 430 years of slavery in Egypt did not erase the memory of the promise given to Abraham. Abraham did not receive the fulfillment. Isaac did not receive it. Even, Jacob did not receive, but the promise lingered in their national memory (Exodus 12:40, 41; Galatians 3:17). Now, when these slaves return, they seek to claim that promise. So, how do you view the promises that God gives you? Do you continue to belive, even if it is delayed? Or have you stopped believing, because your prayers don't seem to be answered?
The festivals were meant to be educative and instructive. This is how God's promises and God's acts were enmeshed into the cultural fabric of Israel. In what ways, then, what God does influences how you live?
The history of deliverance becomes a permanent part of their collective consciousness. The experience was meant to be indelible, like a branded mark.
Respond: Use Isiah 55:8-13 to confirm your faith in God's promises.
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