I finished up my study of Exodus last weekend, and there is one final thought I’d like to share.
Exodus 12:33-34 reads, ” 33 And the Egyptians were urgent upon the people, that they might send them out of the land in haste; for they said, We be all dead men. 34 And the people took their dough before it was leavened, their kneadingtroughs being bound up in their clothes upon their shoulders.”
First, a little bit of background; earlier in the chapter, the Lord had given the Israelites instructions for a feast, a feast that would later symbolize the Resurrection. He instructed them to eat bread without yeast for seven days, and to remove all yeast from their homes. The Festival of Unleavened Bread, was to celebrate and commemorate the Lord’s faithful deliverance.
Now, back to verses 33-35. Here, we see the Israelites fleeing in fear of losing their lives. However, even in these moments of inevitable panic, the very next line makes note that they packed up the unleavened bread and carried it on their shoulders.
Let me note, the Israelites intended to leaven this bread, as it was not the correct time of year for the Feast of Unleavened Bread. However, as I read this passage, I began to think about the symbolism of unleavened bread, and how it was a way of both honoring and worshiping the Lord. In this passage, the unleavened (for now) bread is so high on the Israelites priority list that it is the very first thing mentioned after they are urged to flee.
These connections lead me to ask myself a question,
Would I be able to say the same thing?
How often does honoring and worshiping take priority in my life?
How often do I excuse skipping prayer, quiet time, service, etc?
This week, I encourage you to reflect on similar questions as well.