Honoring Wisdom
Read This Week: Exodus 13
The Lord said to Moses, “Consecrate to me every firstborn male. The first offspring of every womb among the Israelites belongs to me, whether human or animal.” Then Moses said to the people, “Commemorate this day, the day you came out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery, because the Lord brought you out of it with a mighty hand. – Exodus 13:1-3 NIV
Exodus 13 stands out among its chapters with instructions and symbols that hold relevance far beyond the immediate context. This chapter is pivotal as it lays the foundation for the practice of consecration and remembrance, themes that can offer practical insights for us as modern-day believers.
In verses 1-2, the Bible says the Lord told Moses to consecrate every firstborn male. The first offspring of every womb among the Israelites belongs to me, whether human or animal. As we will see going forward in the Old Testament, this Israelite spiritual practice was to sanctify the firstborn as a symbolic act of acknowledging God’s sovereignty and ownership over life. This act of worship was rooted in the Passover event when God spared the firstborn of Israel while striking down the firstborn of Egypt. For us, consecration can be understood as dedicating our best efforts and first fruits to God. Whether it’s dedicating time, resources, or energy, prioritizing what is most important can build a sense of purpose and gratitude. For instance, starting our day by reading the Word, praying, and meditating or dedicating the first portion of our income to the mission of the gospel can be ways to apply this principle.
Verses 6-7 describe the Feast of Unleavened Bread. This observance was a time for the Israelites to remember their hasty departure from Egypt. The absence of leaven symbolized purity and a break from their past lives. In our lives, this can be seen as a call to rid ourselves of leaven or negative influences regularly. This discipline could mean seeking the Holy Spirit for things to take out of our lives that are unnecessary, simplifying our lives by decluttering our hearts, or reflecting on and releasing unhealthy habits and attitudes. Additionally, setting aside time for reflection and celebration of personal milestones can serve as a way to remember and appreciate the progress made.
Verse 9 talks about the physical reminders of God’s commandments worn by Jewish people during prayer. This practice was intended to keep the divine laws constantly in mind. In a broader sense, this can translate to finding meaningful ways to keep God’s principles, core values, and desires at the forefront of our daily lives. Whether through visual reminders like sticky notes with Scripture, spiritual and personal affirmations, or setting regular reminders on our devices for Bible reading, reflection, and goal-checking, these tools help keep our minds and hearts on the things of Christ, His mission, and our calling.
The redemption of the firstborn donkey in verse 13 as an unclean animal, and the requirement to sacrifice a lamb in its place implicates the value of purity and redemption that we should emulate in our lives. This part illustrates the principle of substitutionary atonement, symbolizing that some things must be redeemed or transformed rather than discarded, just as Jesus saw us and made way for salvation through His sacrifice. He satisfied God’s wrath and allowed us to stand before God as justified by faith in His finished work on the cross. This can inspire us to find value and potential in areas of our lives that may seem problematic or useless. Rather than discarding them, we can ask God to redeem them and transform them into opportunities for growth and learning. We can go to the Lord and address sin issues, personal flaws, and shortcomings and to find solutions. He is the Father who brings beauty from ashes.
By reflecting and thinking about the themes in this chapter of consecration, remembrance, symbolism, redemption, and teaching, we are empowered by God to seek spiritual and practical ways to apply these ancient teachings of Exodus to our modern lives. Through such applications, we not only honor the wisdom of God’s people but also enrich our own lives with purpose, mindfulness, and continuity.
Exodus Chapter 13 Verse 21
The Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead them along the way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night.
Exodus Chapter 13 Verse 22
The pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night did not depart from before the people.
~God’s Presence~
God Is Saying To Me:
When you remember me, know that I prepare a place for you now and eternally. I give you all that you need, physically and spiritually. Come to me first for food, protection and guidance and allow my presence to remind you of my faithfulness and give hope for future days ahead!
What This Means To Me:
1. God desires to guide us and lead us.
2. He has replaced the law by the blood of Jesus that resides within us, readily available, that being the Holy Spirit.
3. We are led by the Holy Spirit to stand boldly against opposition and strife because God’s leadership and sovereignty never wavers.
4. God’s paths may at times seem longer or not a direct solution, but trusting in faith to be obedient produces unwavering strength and spiritual boldness!
Thank you God for your Son and the blood that He shed for us and the Holy Spirit that resides within each one of us. ❤️
This is what I got from God in Exodus 13. I want you to honor Me, by leading a sanctified or holy life. I want you to honor Me by staying free from sin. Jesus was My first and only son. He was also Mary’s firstborn. Jesus gave His life so that all who believe might live. I want you to act quickly upon My calling. If you ignore sin, it will rise and not stay hidden. If you were once a slave to sin, you have now become a slave to righteousness. Purge sin from your body. If you wish to find the sin in your life, be reading My word. When you find it, repent from it. There is joy in purity. Is the joy of the Lord visible in your life for others to see? Honor Me with your first fruits of your life. If you are grateful for what Christ has done for you, make your life a “living Sacrifice” to Him. Tithing is very important in the Christian life. You can test Me by tithing when times are tough. I promise to provide for you. Where you put your money is a sign of where your heart is. Be a joyful giver. You are also to tithe your time and talents. Honor Me by letting My word in you serve as a light to others. My word in your life should be visible in your thoughts and words, and your works and your actions. Honor Me by trusting Me, during your trials in the wilderness. I am always with you. I will not leave you. I also will never test you, with more than you can handle. This builds your faith up in Me. When you are tempted, I will always provide a way out. Trust Me. I am faithful. You are also to honor Me by trusting My promises. You are also to honor Me by following My guidance. Let My word and My spirit guide you in your walk.
What this said to me was I need to be quick to act, when God is telling me to do something. I cannot ignore the sin in my life. I need to bring it to light, and repent and turn away from it. God always gives us a way out, when we are tempted. It is so important to stay in His word. I need to tithe faithfully and joyfully. I am also to tithe my time and talents. I have to show others how God’s light shines and bring others to Him.
Do you appreciate it when others prioritize you, putting your needs above their own? How about your loved ones? If you have a spouse, do you make it a point to acknowledge them and ensure they come first in your life?
My wife, Heidi, shows her love for me by always putting me first and caring for me deeply. I strive to reciprocate by cherishing her, loving her unconditionally, and forsaking all others.
Similarly, the Lord loves us and provides for us, asking that we put Him first in our lives. He calls us to acknowledge Him in everything we do and to give Him the first fruits of our labor.
Prioritizing the Lord and others is a significant act. It reveals what and who matters most to us and reflects the kind of person we are.
Offering our time, talents, and resources to God and to others, as the Lord instructs, isn’t just important for living a fulfilled life—it’s a commandment. It’s a clear expression of our relationship and commitment to God and those around us.
1. God loves and cares for us.
2. God calls us to put Him first in all things.
3. God leads us to extend His love to others, placing their needs above our own. As He has shown us, we too are called to pay it forward.
Exodus 13:11 “Now it shall be when the Lord brings you into the land of the Canaanite, as He swore to you and your fathers, and gives it to you, 12 you shall set apart and dedicate to the Lord all that first opens the womb. All the firstborn males of your livestock shall be the Lord’s.
Exodus 13: 14 And it shall be when your son asks you in time to come, saying, ‘What does this mean?’ you shall say to him, ‘With a strong and powerful hand the Lord brought us out of Egypt, from the house of bondage and slavery.
Matthew 6:33 But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right—the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also.
It’s important to put Father God first, To be thankful for all He has done and has given to us.
We eat to always remember what He has done for us especially Jesus!
He set us free and continues to help us to stay free.
God rescued us just like he did with the Israelites.
It’s important for us to share these wonderful memories with others because it can help them too
They may want to have a life with God or to go deeper with him and wanna share Jesus with the people they know too.
It’s important to be aware of all that God does and we want to not only be thankful for God‘s love, but we want to put him first 24 -7
talking to him reading the Bible, worshiping Him.
This is how we stay close to God and for those around us, we’re a leader we lead people either the right way or the wrong way so go ahead and ask her Cell how are you doing in leading people, how can I get better at being a servant for God?
What this means to me is, there’s always something in life that can distract us, take us away from doing God‘s work, not think about him, make choices that are not good for us, but the good news is God is always here for us. He loves us And he wants us to get better and better in our life with him.
Father God wants us to get better and better doing his work and blessing people with Him and helping people that’s what it’s all about
Thank you God that we get to you and we get to be a part of your life loving you and blessing you talking to you all day long thank you that we get to. I love you father God I love you Jesus and thank you for your Holy Spirit..
PODCAST
This Week in the Life: Exodus 13
For the best experience, we suggest you listen to the first song, the message, and then the second song.
1. Sunday Worship – First Song: https://reachchurch.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/20240922-Worship1.wav
2. Sunday Message: https://reachchurch.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/20240922-Message.wav
3. Sunday Worship – Second Song: https://reachchurch.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/20240922-Worship2.wav
Join the Party Line Live – Schedule: https://reachchurch.org/connect
This week in Exodus chapter 13 I got a song
Worship
Let’s come together to worship our Lord. Let’s come together to worship our Lord praising and lifting our hands given thanks to our Lord We are blessed yes we are blessed because we have his salvation. He forgives our sins He gives us hope he gives us comfort He is with us every step of the way don’t let the world ways fool us. God will lift us up, not put us down. He will guide us show us the right way Always focus on the Lord, putting him first and when we struggle worship him yes worship our Lord, he will help us through so let’s worship our Lord let’s worship our Lord amen.
Let’s be faithful having a heart like our Lord when we struggle go to him first he will give us comfort and show us the way.