October 17 | Exodus 13:11-16 |

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DAILY READING

Exodus 13:11-16

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REFLECTION

Always Remember

by Judy Webb

In the days to come, when your son asks you, “What does this mean?” say to him, “With a mighty hand the Lord brought us out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.” (v.14)

We are a forgetful breed, especially as we get older. How many times have you gone into another room only to forget what you came for? Happens all the time, doesn’t it? It concerns me until I compare notes with friends and discover this is a common occurrence. As humans, we struggle to remember birthdays and anniversaries too. But if asked where you were on 9/11 few have trouble recalling many details about that date in history.

Deuteronomy 6:7 “Impress them upon your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”

The Scripture reading today is about remembering, specifically remembering all that God has done for us. The text is addressing the Israelite nation and reminding them about God’s work in freeing them from bondage. Not just setting them free, but putting them on the path to a Promised Land; one they could not even imagine. They are encouraged to tell the story repeatedly to their children, so that they never forget where they came from, and all God had done for them.

Likewise, this passage serves as a reminder for us to never forget where we came from, and how God rescued and redeemed our lives. This is our testimony; our own individual story of deliverance and we must never forget it. When we retell it to others, they might hear something new to them. Retelling our story of redemption and rescue could be just what that person needs to hear. Perhaps your story will inspire someone else to turn to God in their time of need.

The Jewish nation remembers by observing Passover and remembering how God saved every first-born man and animal from the final plague - death. This reminder of how God rescued His people must always be front and center. The same holds true for us today. God saved his people in Israel from the evil hands of Pharaoh by the blood of the firstborn in Egypt. God saves us by the blood of His first-born Son, Jesus. The Innocent Lamb. Never forget.

PRAYER

Lord,

Sometimes we need daily reminders of your love and faithfulness. We need to open our Bibles and review your journey to the cross in order to truly recall and believe all that you have done. Keep me close and point me to your Word when my days are rough, when I am worried or alone. Point me to Your Son, Jesus. Amen.

October 16 | Exodus 13:1-10

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DAILY READING

Exodus 13:1-10

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REFLECTION

Remember and Commemorate

by  Michael Guastella

The Israelites were about to embark on a journey that would forever change their lives. They were leaving Egypt, a land of oppression and suffering, and heading towards the Promised Land, a place of freedom and abundance, and full of God’s love. As they prepared to leave, we see God give them specific instructions: remember and commemorate this day.

The command to remember and commemorate is a recurring theme throughout the Bible. It’s a reminder that our past shapes our present and future. It’s an invitation to reflect on God’s faithfulness and to anticipate His future plans.

It is a way of reflecting, as if to say, “We were slaves, but now we are free. We were lost, but now we are found.” By remembering their past, the Israelites were able to appreciate the present and look forward to the future with hope.

For us today, remembering and commemorating can take many forms. It might involve attending church services, reading the Bible, or participating in religious rituals. It might also involve taking time to reflect on our own personal journeys and acknowledging God’s presence in our lives.

As we reflect, we are reminded of God’s faithfulness. We are reminded that He has been with us in the past, and He will continue to be with us in the future. We are also reminded of the importance of hope. Even when we are facing challenges, we can look to the future with confidence, knowing that God has a plan for our lives.

We see that the Israelites were also commanded to teach their children about the Exodus, to ensure that the memory of God’s deliverance would be passed down from generation to generation, and that the promise of God’s faithfulness would be engrained throughout every family’s bloodline.

For us today, that tradition remains the same: teaching our children about God’s faithfulness is an essential part of our spiritual lives; just as it was to the Israelites.

As we remember and commemorate the Exodus, let us also be mindful of our own personal journeys and struggles. Let us take time to reflect on God’s faithfulness in our lives and to give thanks for His blessings. Let us also look to the future with hope, knowing that God has a plan for us. And let us teach our children about God’s love and faithfulness, so that they too may experience the joy of knowing Him.

PRAYER

Dear Lord, thank-you for the model you set in place for those of the past and for us. We need to teach our children about you, take them to your house and encourage participation in the Christian activities of the church. Help us to live up to that, so our children may know you. Amen.

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October 15 | Exodus 12:31-42

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DAILY READING

Exodus 12:31-42

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REFLECTION

We're outta here!

By Kim Starr

I’ve been praying a specific prayer for a very long time. My prayer involves healing, getting the person to the right doctors, getting the appropriate medications, and restoring the person to her former, if not better, health. I know some of you also have prayers you have been praying for a long time. Sometimes it feels as though our prayers go off into the great abyss and echo around the cosmos. Sometimes it feels as though God is right there next to us feeling our hopelessness and sadness that anything is going to change. The reality, though, is that God hears every single prayer we make.

I’m sure the Israelites prayed as they were enslaved by the Egyptians. I wonder if they had specific prayers about their masters, their work, their strength or if their prayers were simply, “Get us out of here!” God heard their prayers and was very specific in answering. He had a plan all along. On the exact day when the Israelites had been enslaved for 430 years, God compelled Pharaoh to let them go. That means some of the Israelites had been praying their entire lives or through multiple generations to be freed from their enslavement. That’s a long time!

God knew all along that he was going to get the Israelites out of Egypt. He knew exactly when that day would come. The same is true of our prayers. He knows exactly what day they will be answered and the manner in which he will answer them. It is all up to him, and he has a plan. He always has plans. Even so, we still need to keep praying. We need to keep making our requests known to God. We need to persevere, even when we don’t feel like it.

On that day, 430 years later, God was with the Israelites as he brought them out of Egypt. He asked the Israelites to remember that day annually, and to this day, they still do. When God answers our prayers, do we celebrate that specific day each year? Do we remember to give thanks and praise to God for his faithfulness, even if it is the answer we don’t want? If we don’t, maybe we should start. The point is, we need to remember that God does answer our prayers. Surely we are to thank and praise him for doing so.

If you’ve grown weary from praying your prayer day after day, and over and over, listen to this song, Don't Stop Praying, by Matthew West. I hope it provides you the encouragement that it provides me.

PRAYER

Oh Lord, we often want our prayers answered our way when we want them answered. We are like toddlers demanding something of our parents and we sometimes grow louder, more fervent, and more obnoxious with each plea. Please remind us that you have a plan and that you will answer our prayer, but in your timing. You were with the Israelites for 430 years never losing sight of what you were going to do and how you were going to do it. Remind us of that. Remind us that you see us, you hear us, and you are with us. And when an answer comes, please remind us to remember your faithfulness and to keep vigil to honor you and what you have done. Amen.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

KIM STARR

I have been a member of UALC since I was 2-years-old. Over my life I have participated in, and volunteered for, numerous ministries, programs, and activities, all of which have grown and strengthened my faith. I have been blessed beyond measure by not only being a part of this congregation, but also by being able to worship with three generations of my family.

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