Mementos

Today’s Scripture: Numbers 8-10

It has been a year since they left Egypt, and the Israelites are still not there.  They haven’t yet reached the Promised Land — and unbeknownst to them, they are another thirty-nine years away from meeting that horizon.  As their community is still being shaped and pieced together by God, in His dedication of the Levites to His service in place of the firstborn of all of Israel, the very first Passover since the original in Egypt is celebrated.

What an interesting commemoration this must have been.  Just as God “redeemed” (so to speak) the firstborn by consecrating to Himself the clan of the Levites for holy duties concerning the tabernacle, the Passover stands as a reminder of the debt of the firstborn.  When God took the firstborn sons of all of Egypt, He claimed ownership over the firstborn of Israel as well.  Perhaps this first commemorative Passover was especially meaningful to the Levites, whose service in to the priests directly relates to the festival. 

Consider, too, the emotions that must have been rampant among the rest of the Israelites; having left Egypt an entire year previously, and still out in the wilderness of Mt. Sinai, they must have thought, “Is there really a Promised Land?  Are we every going to get there?”  God saved Israel in Egypt from the death of the firstborn, which fell upon the Egyptians — but for what purpose?  Would they die in the wilderness before ever laying eyes on the land they sought?

Even still, remembering His faithfulness is always a good encouragement.  In the most difficult of times, it helps to recall His love for His people and the ways He has proven Himself worthy.  Our past speaks into our future.  Memory is often one of the greatest sources of hope we have.

May we remember His faithfulness, even in dry seasons.  Whether camped on the mountain or wandering away from it, growing weary with travel, may the Lord’s goodness be an ever-present reminder of His love for us.  May He be our hope.

Tomorrow’s Scripture: Numbers 11-13