The Feast of Unleavened Bread

Exodus 13:1–16
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It has been said that the wilderness wanderings had no place in the purpose of God. This is certainly not true as we see Him leading his people each step of the way. Some of His purpose for leading Israel to Canaan through the wilderness could be summarized as follows:

1. It was in order that His power might be displayed as He brought them through the Red Sea.
2. It was in order that Pharaoh and his servants might be destroyed.
3. It was in order that the Israelites might receive His laws in the solitude of the desert.
4. It was in order that they might be tried and proven prior to their entrance into the land.

Now, in these verses, after an introductory statement about the first born (vv. 1-2), Moses  addresses the people again about the Passover and the Unleavened Bread feasts (vv. 3-7). Like the Passover the Feast of Unleavened Bread had great educational value in the home (vv 8-16). It was to be a continual reminder of God’s mighty deliverance from Egypt. Like the Feast of Unleavened Bread the consecration of the firstborn was also a reminder of God’s gracious deliverance from the land of bondage. Just as the Lord used His mighty power to rescue the Israelites from slavery in Egypt He wants to show His mighty power in rescuing us from the power of sin in our lives today.

Application

Just as God had a purpose in the Israelites wandering in the wilderness He has a purpose for everything He allows to happen in my life. This includes trials and blessings.