When I was in school, there was a brief moment in time that I enjoyed learning history. I loved learning and reading about the people and events that shaped the world we live in… but I was terrible at tests. Reading about events is one thing but testing me on the dates those events happened is entirely different. Because of this, I convinced myself that I hated learning history. But I’ve come to learn that history, having even a smidgeon of understanding of the past, is important for our future.
Most people who have had any interactions with the Bible have heard that it is God’s story – His story… His-story… History. Get it? He – God – is all about teaching us through remembering what He’s done for His kiddos. The Bible is a compilation of covenants that we’re recipients of as well as proof of a loving, good God.
The first 5 books of the Bible are all about what God has done and we’re encouraged to remember it going forward. This spreads through to the New Testament when we’re grafted into the family of Abraham. We not only become God’s children when we accept Him as our Savior, but now we have an entire family history that we didn’t have before. It’s not just a history about what a distant relative did or didn’t do, what they said or should have said, but it’s about how God takes care of His kiddos.
Adam and Eve messed up and tried to hide from God – He pursued them, covered them (a picture of the robes of righteousness to come), and protected them from becoming immortal in their brokenness (Genesis 3:8-24). Cain murdered his brother and God still extended grace and mercy by protecting Cain and giving him time to become repentant (Genesis 4:8-17).
God protected Noah and his family from the evil that was running rampant in the world. God guided Noah in building the ark and when the time came, God shut Noah and his family safely inside (Genesis 7:1-16 – a picture of being sealed in grace by God and not by our own merits – and a picture of provision in bleak economies). The entire world around them was in chaos and turmoil, but God took care of His kiddos.
Abraham was called out of the land and lifestyle he was living in (just like our calling), and God blessed all of his steps. Even when Abraham lied (reflexive or out of fear), God protected and blessed him. His son, Isaac, was blessed (Genesis 26:1-33). Jacob – later his name was changed to Israel – also blessed. Ever hear the story about the spotted and streaked sheep (Genesis 30:25-31:55)? No matter what Jacob’s father-in-law said, it ended up being in Jacob’s favor.
Joseph was protected and had God’s favor when his brothers plotted to kill him – they sold him into slavery instead. As a slave, he succeeded in all he did because the Lord was with him (Genesis 39:2). No matter where he was – slavery, prison, or 2nd in command in Egypt – he succeeded because God takes care of His kiddos.
Moses was saved from being killed as an infant (Moses 2:1-10), the Israelites were protected from the plagues of Egypt because they were tucked away in Goshen (Exodus 8:22). He provides a Goshen for us as well, doesn’t He? Remember – God takes care of His kiddos.
After the very 1st Passover – involving the blood of a lamb, the Israelites were freed from slavery. They got out of Egypt, but they had to get the Egypt out of themselves, right? God wanted them to trust Him. How could they trust Him in the Promised Land if they never learned to trust Him in the desert? God provided food, water, and miraculously durable clothes and shoes (Exodus 16, Exodus 17, and Deuteronomy 8:4). God takes care of His kiddos.
Whenever we celebrate a holiday – whether a holiday specific to our country or our faith – there are things we spend time thinking of. We take time to remember. We remember wars fought, we remember individuals who made sacrifices – big and small – and we remember with it the moments of happiness.
Jesus celebrating the Passover right before He was arrested, brutalized, and crucified is not a coincidence. God is all about order and purpose. After the 1st Passover, God’s people were set free from physical slavery and bondage. After Jesus celebrated the Passover during what we refer to as Holy Week, any who place their faith in Him are freed from the bondage of sin and the effects of sin.
The Passover is a time of remembering how God always takes care of His kiddos. Jesus’ disciples were about to witness something horrific, and isn’t it just like God to remind His kiddos that He’ll take care of them no matter how bleak the situation seems?
As we wrap up this week and set our hearts on Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday, I pray that you’ll take time to remember the many ways that God has taken care of you. Be purposeful with this time of remembrance by journaling, talking about it with a spouse, friend, or other family member. The history of our faith is not Easter eggs, new church clothes, or making sure we have the holiday ham ready for the big family meal. It is His story of love for us and proving time and time again that He takes care of His kiddos.