A Hurried Meal

"Eat it with your traveling clothes on, prepared for a long journey, wearing your walking shoes and carrying your walking sticks in your hands; eat it hurriedly. This observance shall be called the Lord’s Passover." Exodus 12:11 

As young children, my brother, my sister, and I were often slow to finish our dinner—piddling and playing with the food on our plates. Our mother would then tell us stories of her days in the United States Air Force when eating quickly and urgently was a requirement.  There was no piddling, no chewing each bite thirty-two times, and definitely no playing around.  

She went on to explain that in the military, they were taught strict discipline and obedience for their own safety.  The commanding officer had to be sure his troops would act without hesitation and without questioning, as often he was privy to information the troops did not have.  One man's failure to follow orders could cost the lives of many.  It was all about survival. 

For the people of Israel, it was all about survival, too. God wanted families to remember the Lord’s Passover and teach their children the importance of following His commands completely. There are often things He knows that we do not. 

Much like the obedience taught in the military, God’s lessons in obedience are designed as loving safeguards for us, protecting us from ourselves. God’s rules are never meant to limit or inhibit our joy.  They are just the opposite.  When we follow God’s rules, we have fullness of joy and life.  

Psalm 119:2 tells us, “Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts."

May all generations remember the hurried meal eaten in remembrance of the Lord’s Passover, and the abundant life that He gives.