Scripture:

Exodus 12:31 

During the night Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron and said, “Up! Leave my people, you and the Israelites! Go, worship the Lord as you have requested.  Exodus 12:31 

Reflection: 

If you’re anything like me, you’re beyond tired of hearing the dreaded word “COVID”, let alone talking about it. The last two years have been a continuous onslaught of pain, frustration, sickness, division, stress, sadness, and fear, that pushed us all far beyond our emotional and physical limits. I feel the societal sigh of relief that has occurred, since the world has gone back to “normal”. However, I feel it is far too easy of a route for us to simply push past what has happened and move forward without taking the time to reflect on what has occurred.  

If you’re familiar at all with the Old Testament, or the classic 1956 film The Ten Commandments, you know the story of the Israelites and their time in slavery under the rule of the Egyptians. As is brilliantly portrayed in the film by Charlton Heston, I always imagined the iconic line playing out as it does in the movie – in a booming voice Moses cries out, “Thus sayeth the Lord, the God of Israel: LET MY PEOPLE GO!” However, we’re robbed of the words that actually followed this: “…so that they may worship me.” The people of Israel have not been able to conduct their worship to the Lord for 430 years. When the people are finally released and cross the Red Sea, they spend most of Exodus 15 singing praises to the Lord for how He delivered them and what He has done, and are able to continue the practice of offering sacrifices and building monuments to the Lord. They didn’t let earlier practices fall to the wayside after their time in slavery, but picked up where they left off.  

Think back (I know it’s hard), to before all the COVID-related drama happened…back to March of 2020. What kinds of things were we planning? What kinds of dreams, plans, or habits were we thinking about? I don’t believe that a global pandemic is a good enough excuse for us to not follow through with the things God put on our hearts two years ago. Can it delay them? Sure. But now we need to reflect back and think, “what do I need to pick up again?” What things has God called you to do that had to be put on hold, but now you can continue, or perhaps start? Don’t let tragedy or fear be the thing that kills the dream God placed in your heart and mind. Pick up that dream again and trust that, “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion. “ (Philippians 1:6) Let’s pick up where we left off.