Whose We Are: Exodus 13:1-16

We think we are in control. We think that we are our own...that our days are ordered by our decisions and actions and dreams. That our parents and families have inscribed a name upon us that identifies ourselves and the generations to come. We scurry and plan...we busy our day with what we deem important...we set in motion those ideals that we are passionate about. We surround ourselves with those who support and esteem us. This is our life.

I'm going to be bold and say that we have it wrong. We are not our own. Our days are not ultimately determined by our steps. The peace and prosperity that graces our lives blinds us from who we are...whose we are. My bible reading today took me to the book of Exodus chapter thirteen where God instructs Moses to lead his people to sacrifice and observation. To remember the mighty hand of God in the past and to commemorate where they had come from. How God had been faithful to His promise and that this was to inspire sacrifice in their lives. A giving back of the "firstfruits", demonstrating that all they were and all they owned was ultimately His. This was to be "a sign on your hand and a symbol on your forehead that the Lord brought us out of Egypt with his mighty hand."

This is a humbling endeavor. Acknowledging that who we are is not founded in our parents, our children, our possessions, our endeavors...who we are is rooted in Christ and his mission. We are made in his image and set free through his sacrifice on the cross. It's as simple as that. The challenge today? Surrender. Give everything back to our God who has promised freedom and victory, joy and love. Let go of what is rightfully His and what we have been led to believe is our own.

What symbol marks your forehead? That the Lord has brought you to where you are and is leading you into the future...or that you are still struggling to have all the control? It's time to let go and remember whose you are. -jenna