Protected By the Strength of God's Hand

January 19, 2016

Exodus 13:7-16

People ask why things happen, and why we have certain celebrations. In part of the Passover celebration, the people were required to eat unleavened bread (Exodus 13:7). The reason given when asked why the family eats this bread is because this is what God provided when He brought us out of Egypt (Exodus 13:8). Then the person is to put a sign on their hand and their forehead (Exodus 13:9) to remind them of God’s instruction to stay in their head and on their mouths. These phylacteries were little boxes that were wrapped around the wrist and tied to the forehead. Inside these boxes were scraps of paper that contain Scripture verses which the person memorized. This practice was commanded by God to the Jews to remind them that God brought them out of Egypt “with a strong hand (Exodus 13:9).

Eventually, people would ask why the Jews would do this during the Passover. The answer they were to give was: “I was protected by the strength of God’s hand.”

The sign on the hand and the symbol on your head reminds you that God provided and protected you from God’s judgment. God provided a way to bring His people out of Egypt “by the strength of His hand.” God wants us to have a sign of Him on our hands and heads (Exodus 13:16). The Antichrist will also want a sign of him on the hands and heads of people who will follow him (Revelation 13:16). Both signs are sings of allegiance that says: “I am protected by the strength of my leader’s hand.” For the Christian, God will provide a way to bring His people out of the rule of the Antichrist (Revelation 13:16-18) by the strength of God’s hand.

Prayer: God, thank You for the strength of Your hand. Thank You that You protect me everyday. I want to listen and serve You.