What Are You Giving Up Today?

Exodus 13 Devotional: Doing Business with God and Living Free

Approaching Bible study or devotionals requires a heart that's right with the Lord. It's crucial to invite the Holy Spirit to guide our understanding. Without His divine help, we often fall into interpreting God's Word through our own limited perspective. True insight comes when we allow the Spirit to open our spiritual eyes and ears.

Here at Kingdom Timekeepers, our main focus is God. After Him, we conduct business with Him. This principle applies to everyone, whether you run a home business, a physical shop, work for a company, or are in network marketing. If you're a business owner, this message is for you.

In this devotional, we're exploring Exodus chapter 13. This chapter beautifully illustrates surrender. We'll see how the Israelites remembered God's powerful deliverance from slavery. This remembrance offers profound lessons for us today.

Understanding Consecration: Setting Apart for God

The Lord's Claim on the Firstborn

Exodus 13:1-2 states the Lord's command: "Consecrate to me every firstborn male." This applies to the first offspring of every womb. It includes both humans and animals among the Israelites. This act sets them apart, designating them as belonging solely to God.

What parts of your life are you setting apart for God? Consider your unique talents, your precious time, or your hard-earned resources. Are these dedicated to Him?

What Does Consecration Mean Today?

To consecrate means to sacrifice something or to set it apart as belonging to God. It’s about intentional dedication. It involves giving up personal desires or comforts to prioritize God's will above all else.

Think about what you are actively sacrificing. What are you giving up in your life to follow God more closely? This could be a habit, a plan, or even a comfort zone.

The Symbolism of Unleavened Bread and Yeast

Yeast: A Symbol of Corruption and Pride

In the context of the Israelites' exodus, yeast held a significant symbolic meaning. When used in bread-making, yeast causes the dough to rise. This inflation can be seen as a symbol of corruption, pride, and sin.

When a person inflates themselves, it often signifies pride. They might feel superior to others. This can even manifest as spiritual pride.

Unleavened Bread: Purity and the Absence of Sin

Unleavened bread, in contrast, symbolizes purity and the absence of sin. The Israelites were commanded to eat only unleavened bread. This pointed to the need for them to be pure before the Lord.

This means we need to purify ourselves. We must ask God for forgiveness before approaching Him. Before spending time in His presence, seek His forgiveness for your sins.

The Promise of the Land: Flowing with Milk and Honey

Beyond Literal Interpretation

The phrase "flowing with milk and honey" often evokes images of abundant dairy and sweet honey. However, its meaning is deeper. It referred to the land of Canaan.

This region was known for its fertility. It promised abundance and prosperity. It also included fortified cities, signifying strength and development.

Marking True Discipleship

The festival of unleavened bread served as a ritual. It marked the Israelites as followers of God. It was a constant reminder of where God had brought them from.

Today, our actions mark us as disciples of Christ. How we raise our children, show love, and care for the poor sets us apart. These acts demonstrate our faith visibly to others.

Redeeming the Firstborn: A Reminder of Deliverance

The Lord's Rightful Claim

God commanded the Israelites to redeem their firstborn sons and livestock. This command stemmed from the final plague in Exodus 12. God had spared the firstborn of Israel. He had a rightful claim to them due to this act of salvation.

This ritual served as a reminder. It showed how God protected their firstborn. It also highlighted their freedom from slavery.

The Threefold Purpose of Redemption

The redemption ritual had three main purposes:

It reminded the people of God's protection. He saved their sons from death.
Second, it showcased God's high value for human life. This stood in stark contrast to pagan practices.
Third, it looked forward to Jesus Christ. He would ultimately buy us back, paying the price for our sins once and for all.

Conclusion: What Are You Giving God Today?

Our core message is doing business with God. This means putting Him first in everything we do. We are called to live free from sin, as symbolized by unleavened bread. We are to be set apart for Him.

Consider what you are sacrificing for God. What are you giving Him from your life? Are you offering your first fruits, your children, your finances, your time, your business, your ministry, your life? What praises or worship are you giving?

What is God asking you to give up today to receive your blessings? Let this be a lesson for your walk with Him.