14 “And in the future, your children will ask you, ‘What does all this mean?’ Then you will tell them, ‘With the power of his mighty hand, the Lord brought us out of Egypt, the place of our slavery. 15 Pharaoh stubbornly refused to let us go, so the Lord killed all the firstborn males throughout the land of Egypt, both people and animals. That is why I now sacrifice all the firstborn males to the Lord—except that the firstborn sons are always bought back.’ 16 This ceremony will be like a mark branded on your hand or your forehead. It is a reminder that the power of the Lord’s mighty hand brought us out of Egypt.” 17 When Pharaoh finally let the people go, God did not lead them along the main road that runs through Philistine territory, even though that was the shortest route to the Promised Land. God said, “If the people are faced with a battle, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.” 18 So God led them in a roundabout way through the wilderness toward the Red Sea.[c] Thus the Israelites left Egypt like an army ready for battle.[d]
- Exodus 13
Why does GOD want us to do many rituals and things? Why all the festivals with all their meanings? What's all this that the Old Testament has commanded the People of GOD to follow throughout the seasons of the year? GOD wants His people to be reminded of what HE did for them so that they won't ever forget? Are humans that forgetful? As a matter of face yes we are forgetful of so many things, especially the good things that GOD has blessed us with. We are bound to focus more on the negative aspects of life, the stress, the hardships that we went through. But these milestones that GOD declared for His people to do are to remind us that when we are in difficult times again, HE will always be there to carry us through.
GOD's love is just amazing, He understands the frailty of humanity and provides everything we need just to overcome. In verse 17, it says that when the Israelites were finally free to go, GOD lead them to a longer route towards the promised land because He knows that if they are met with a battle they will not have the strength to overcome it. So they were led to a longer but safer route. If you think that you are having hardships now look back and remind yourself what GOD has already done in your life, just remember that GOD is allowing you to pass through a safer way that will lead you to success. Just as how HE looked after the Israelites, is how HE is looking after you now. If you know what a caring and great GOD HE is, you will not complain but will be filled with thankfulness believing that GOD's ways are only the best for us.
