Exodus 12:18 (NIV) – The Israelites did just what the LORD commanded Moses and Aaron.
Proverbs 3:1-14 (NIV) – My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity.
Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.
Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.
My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke, because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.
Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold.
The Israelites did just what the LORD commanded Moses and Aaron. The brevity with which this is stated implies unquestioning obedience, and the reader is expected to assume that everything was done according to the instructions given in 12:3-27 (Alexander. Exodus, p.230, IV Press). Their response implies that they believed and trusted the way that God was instructing and providing for them. We don’t even want to think about the consequences had they second-guessed God and refused to believe when God commanded them to place the blood of the lamb on their doorposts and shelter inside. Their response was that they took God at His word and connected their belief with active obedience. Whatever emotions and thoughts and turmoil that may have been racing through their hearts and minds essentially took second fiddle to God’s word to them and it resulted in their witnessing God’s amazing power and experiencing firsthand the change that was happening in and around their lives. More abundantly than we can imagine, God has saved us and called us to powerfully witness and experience firsthand the transformation He brings by the power of His Spirit to those who are in Christ. What is needed is the connection to an obedient and active response to His word in every part of our lives.
Read, mediate upon and pray through the verses of Proverbs 3:1-14, asking God for His empowering to obediently respond and follow the commands of these verses. Is there a present circumstance in your life that is bringing you down or causing heartache or turmoil? Commit and dedicate your heart to trust in the Lord and not lean on your understanding. Don’t hesitate, instead simply do the instructions of these life-giving words, trusting in the favor of God’s salvation power to bring real transformation into your life.
– CH