How does Exodus 12:27 emphasize the importance of remembering God's deliverance today? Setting the Scene “ ‘It is the Passover sacrifice to the LORD, who passed over the houses of the Israelites in Egypt and spared our homes when He struck down the Egyptians.’ Then the people bowed down and worshiped.” (Exodus 12:27) Key Truth Drawn from the Verse • God Himself prescribes a verbal explanation for every generation: “It is the Passover sacrifice…” • The statement roots Israel’s identity in a real, historical act—God’s literal deliverance from Egypt. • Worship immediately follows the remembrance, showing that memory fuels adoration. Why Memory Matters to God • Memory guards against forgetfulness that leads to unbelief (Deuteronomy 6:10-12). • Remembering magnifies God’s unchanging faithfulness (Psalm 77:11-15). • Shared memory transmits faith to children, preserving truth across generations (Exodus 12:24-26). God’s Built-In Reminders 1. Annual Feast — Passover became a perpetual rehearsal of redemption. 2. Spoken Testimony — Parents were instructed to explain the meaning when children asked. 3. Physical Symbol — The sacrificed lamb and the blood on the doorposts gave visible, tactile reinforcement. How This Shapes Us Today • Christ our Passover Lamb has been sacrificed (1 Corinthians 5:7); His cross is the ultimate Exodus. • Regular observance of the Lord’s Supper echoes Passover, keeping the sacrifice front-and-center (Luke 22:19-20). • Personal testimonies of salvation function like Israel’s story—reminding us and those who hear us that God still delivers (Psalm 107:2). Practical Habits for Remembering God’s Deliverance • Rehearse the gospel daily—preach it to your own heart each morning. • Mark anniversaries of spiritual milestones; celebrate them as you would a birthday. • Keep a written record of answered prayers and providential rescues. • Sing hymns and songs rich with redemption themes (“There is a Fountain,” “And Can It Be”). • Tell your children, grandchildren, and friends how the Lord saved you; make it normal dinner-table conversation. Echoes Through the Bible • Joshua set up twelve stones from the Jordan so future generations would remember God’s power (Joshua 4:6-7). • Esther’s Purim feast institutionalized memory of deliverance from genocide (Esther 9:26-28). • Jesus commanded, “Do this in remembrance of Me” (Luke 22:19), directly tying New-Covenant worship to mindful recollection of His redemptive act. Living the Lesson Just as Israel bowed down after hearing the Passover explanation, conscious remembrance of Christ’s deliverance should move us to humble worship, eager obedience, and confident hope today. |