How can families today "bow down and worship" as in Exodus 12:27? The Biblical Moment: Exodus 12:27 “And you are to reply, ‘It is the Passover sacrifice to the LORD, who passed over the houses of the Israelites in Egypt when He struck the Egyptians and spared our homes.’ Then the people bowed down and worshiped.” Understanding “Bow Down and Worship” - A physical posture that reflects an inward reality: humility, surrender, and gratitude before God (Psalm 95:6). - An immediate response to remembering God’s saving act. - Corporate in nature—families, clans, and the whole nation join together. Carrying the Posture into Our Homes Today - Remember: rehearse God’s saving work fulfilled in Christ (1 Corinthians 5:7; 11:23-26). - Respond: engage both body and heart—kneel, lift hands, sing, or sit in silent awe (Romans 12:1). - Relate: worship together, not in isolation (Hebrews 10:24-25). Practical Expressions for Families • Gathering Time ▹ Pick a regular moment—morning, mealtime, or evening—to turn hearts toward the Lord. ▹ Read a short passage that highlights redemption (e.g., Isaiah 53; John 3:16-17). ▹ Kneel or bow heads, expressing dependence on God. • Thanksgiving Circle ▹ Each family member names one way God has “passed over” or shown mercy that day. ▹ Conclude with corporate praise: “Thank You, Lord, for Your steadfast love” (Psalm 136:1). • Singing the Story ▹ Choose hymns or worship songs rich in gospel truth (Colossians 3:16). ▹ Encourage children to pick a verse to memorize from the lyrics. • Symbolic Reminders ▹ Display a cross or Scripture art where all can see (Deuteronomy 6:9). ▹ Use simple objects—unleavened bread at dinner, a lit candle—to spark conversation about Jesus, our Passover Lamb. Teaching the Next Generation - Explain what you do and why, just as Israelite parents answered children’s questions about Passover (Exodus 12:26). - Involve children in reading and prayer so they own the practice (Deuteronomy 6:6-7). - Celebrate milestones—baptisms, answered prayers, communion—to anchor memory in worship. Guarding the Heart of Worship - Reject routine without reverence; remember Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11). - Confess sin quickly so worship flows from clean hearts (1 John 1:9). - Focus on God’s character over personal preference (John 4:23-24). Suggested Family Rhythm for Worship 1. Call to worship: “Come, let us bow down in worship” (Psalm 95:6). 2. Scripture reading: a passage on deliverance. 3. Brief explanation and discussion. 4. Physical act: kneel or bow together. 5. Verbal praise or song. 6. Prayer of thanksgiving. 7. Blessing: speak Numbers 6:24-26 over one another. Embracing these simple yet intentional practices enables today’s families to “bow down and worship” with the same reverence and joy that filled the homes of Israel on the night of the first Passover. |
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