Daily Devotion: Motivation for Obedience

Scripture:
Exodus 12: 1-30

Main Verses:
Exodus 12: 24, 28
"Obey these instructions as a lasting ordinance for you and your descendants"....The Israelites did just what the Lord commanded Moses and Aaron.

Observation:
Before the Passover, the Lord gave Moses instructions about how they should celebrate it and what they need to prepare. The Lord's instructions were specific: from the selection and preparation of the animal to the bitter herbs and bread. The Lord specifically commanded them to take some of the blood of the lamb and put it on the sides and tops of the doorframes of the houses where they eat the lambs (v. 7), so that the Lord will pass over their house when He sees the blood and He will strike down every first born of both the Egyptian people and animals.

Application:
The story of the Passover is not only about a commemoration of the Israelites' liberation from the Egyptians. God is not simply telling us that the Israelites prepared a meal or put blood on their doorposts. The Feast of the Passover teaches us a very important lesson about obedience. God wanted the Israelites to obey ALL that He had instructed them to do. There are no excuses. When the Lord gives us instructions in the Bible, we should obey. He wants us to obey Him from the heart, not only when we "feel like it." Our motivation for obeying the Lord should always be because we love Him and we want our lives to be a pleasing sacrifice, not only because it is the right thing to do.

Prayer:
Father, thank you for reminding me about having an obedient heart. Forgive me if I have ever made you feel that I am doing something out of an obligation. There are times when my flesh is defiant and wants to disobey, but my spirit longs to obey You and show that I love you. Help me, oh Lord, so that I may continue to walk according to the Spirit. In Jesus's Mighty Name I pray. AMEN.