Why is it important to remember God's deliverance when celebrating spiritual milestones? Scripture Focus: Exodus 23:15 “You are to keep the Feast of Unleavened Bread; for seven days you must eat unleavened bread, as I commanded you, at the appointed time in the month of Abib, for in that month you came out of Egypt. No one is to appear before Me empty-handed.” God’s Pattern of Celebration • The feast commemorated a literal, historic rescue from Egypt. • Celebration was inseparable from memory: deliverance defined the feast. • God built this rhythm into Israel’s calendar so forgetfulness never gained ground. Key Reasons to Remember Deliverance at Every Milestone • Identity: Deliverance tells believers who they are. “Remember that you were slaves in Egypt, and the LORD your God brought you out with a mighty hand.” (Deuteronomy 5:15) • Gratitude: Recalling rescue stirs humble thanks, preventing hollow ceremony. “I will remember the works of the LORD; yes, I will remember Your wonders of old.” (Psalm 77:11) • Obedience: Memory fuels resolve to walk in holiness. “For you were bought at a price.” (1 Corinthians 6:20) • Testimony to the Next Generation: Joshua’s stones of remembrance made the Jordan crossing unforgettable. (Joshua 4:6-7) • Faith for Future Battles: If God delivered once, He will again. “The LORD, who rescued me from the paw of the lion… will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine.” (1 Samuel 17:37) • Protection against Pride: Remembering slavery leaves no room for self-congratulation. (Deuteronomy 8:11-14) • Christ-Centered Worship: Every Old Testament rescue points to the greater exodus accomplished at the cross. “You are worthy… for You were slain, and with Your blood You purchased for God those from every tribe.” (Revelation 5:9) Milestones that Deserve Deliberate Remembrance • Personal salvation anniversaries • Baptism celebrations (Romans 6:4) • Communion, the New-Covenant echo of Passover: “Do this in remembrance of Me.” (Luke 22:19; 1 Corinthians 11:26) • Church dedications, mission launches, answered-prayer anniversaries Practical Ways to Keep Deliverance Central • Tell the story aloud at gatherings. • Write the date and details in a journal or family Bible. • Create visual markers—stones, artwork, photographs. • Sing songs that rehearse the rescue (Exodus 15; Psalm 40:2-3). • Give an offering “not empty-handed,” linking generosity to gratitude (Exodus 23:15). Living the Principle Today Every celebration gains weight and warmth when rooted in God’s past acts of redemption. Remembering transforms milestones from mere dates on a calendar into vibrant declarations of the God who still delivers, sustains, and leads His people forward. |
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