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Passing down God’s character
Rod ShimabukuroAnd when your children say to you, ‘What do you mean by this service?’ you shall say, ‘It is the sacrifice of the LORD's Passover, for he passed over the houses of the people of Israel in Egypt, when he struck the Egyptians but spared our houses.’” And the people bowed their heads and worshiped.
Exodus 12:26-27
Moses was giving instructions to the elders of Israel pertaining to the Passover, where God would pass over the households of Egypt to strike down all firstborn children and animals. The people of Israel obeyed every command given and the Lord spared their households. The families were to continue following and passing down the Passover instructions to the next generation.
While Jesus has fulfilled the Passover law, it should be - it must be that we continue to train the next generation of believers to revere the Passover Lamb - Jesus. Although we do not follow the strict guidelines of the Jewish Passover of the old covenant - we must not be relaxed in following the commands of the Lord.
I’m just thinking about God’s strictness giving instructions to His people so they would be saved and delivered from their life of bondage in Egypt. God was very specific about what was required for households to be spared.
I’m also thinking about how the message reminding the next generations of God’s heart, character and plans must be communicated to them. He must be passed down, through me.
- My take away is a greater appreciation and love for the character of God - in holiness, being strict for the sake of redemption. I don’t naturally like following rules, but in order to live to please God, there are spiritual rules I must follow. Not according to old covenant traditions, but new covenant truths that I cannot fulfill by my own strength.
- I also need to do a better job as a parent handing down the truth of God, even while my kids are 17 and above, living at home. I must preach less and love more. Speak truth...YES. But my weakness is to love them unconditionally.
Dear Daddie God.
Thank you for loving me unconditionally and not unleashing judgment according to my sins. I am so self righteous at times, I stink. I can even smell my own stink. Help me to pass down Your love, not my stink! Help Me O Great, Gracious and Mighty God!
