Leftovers

Scripture: Do not leave any of it till morning; if some is left till morning, you must burn it. This is how you are to eat it: with your cloak tucked into your belt, your sandals on your feet and your staff in your hand. Eat it in haste; it is the LORD's Passover. Exodus 12:10-11

Observation: God has just given the instructions for the Passover - how to select, kill, and cook the lamb. I was particularly moved by these few verses out of this whole passage. I guess they resonated with me so much because I am a mother and so much of my life revolves around managing calendars and schedules and meal planning and whatnot (can I get an "amen", ladies?). I spend my mornings rushing around my kitchen preparing for the night's meal. I spend my weekends making menus and grocery lists so I'll be prepared for the upcoming week. And these are by no means bad things: early prep saves time, money, and stress for the whole family. And part of the call of a woman is to be a good steward of her household. But do I ever cross over from relying on God to relying on myself? How many "leftovers" do I carry around in my life, unfinished things that I plan to get to later because subconsciously I believe I'll have time tomorrow or the next day?

Application: I love the imagery of having your cloaked tucked, your sandals on, and staff in hand. God warned the Israelites to be ready for any moment so they could depart Egypt and return home. How true does this still stand today? No one knows the hour that Christ will return. Shouldn't we always be ready to be on the move? In my classes I've always heard of Egypt as a type of the world, the Israelites a type of Christians, Moses a type of Christ, etc. I love the parallel of God telling us to be prepared for when He calls us out of the world. Leave nothing behind and unfinished. It's not home anymore. This has encouraged me to make sure all my loose ends are tied up each day, and that I don't put off anything just because I think I'll have the time to do it tomorrow. Tomorrow might not come. The time for ministry is today. Our feet must always be ready to spread the gospel (Rom. 10:15). Is there anything you haven't tied up today? A phone call to make or a card to send? Have you told your children and your spouse that you love them? Don't leave leftovers, planning to get to them later. Enjoy every opportunity the Lord has given you today, and count for new ones each day for as long as He gives us here on earth.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for the truth of Your word. Forgive me Lord of my laziness, for any direct disobedience for putting off something You've called me to do. Lord, I get so weary with all the to-do's, many of them self-imposed. Thank You for impressing on my heart that I am only called to do what YOU have called me to do, and that You give me the strength each day to accomplish that in me. I pray Lord that I glorify You with my time, that I am not only accurately prepared for the day but I make the most of every second You give me. I pray I don't leave behind leftovers but that I am filled to overflowing with Your word and the ministry You bring before me. I reject my own self-righteousness and understand that I can do nothing apart from You; I pray God that I will consistently rely on You and not the labor of my hands. Apart from you, all I do is in vain and causes nothing but exhaustion and unrest. You fill and sustain me, Lord. Thank You for Your daily mercies.