Exodus 12:33–39

And the Egyptians urged the people, that they might send them out of the land in haste. For they said, “We shall all be dead.” So the people took their dough before it was leavened, having their kneading bowls bound up in their clothes on their shoulders. Now the children of Israel had done according to the word of Moses, and they had asked from the Egyptians articles of silver, articles of gold, and clothing. And the LORD had given the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they granted them what they requested. Thus they plundered the Egyptians.

Then the children of Israel journeyed from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand men on foot, besides children. A mixed multitude went up with them also, and flocks and herds—a great deal of livestock. And they baked unleavened cakes of the dough which they had brought out of Egypt; for it was not leavened, because they were driven out of Egypt and could not wait, nor had they prepared provisions for themselves.

Everyone who lives near the coast should have a hurricane evacuation plan. Where would you go? How would you secure your home? What would you take?

The Israelites were going to the Sinai Peninsula. They were leaving home permanently. So, what would you take as refugees fleeing into a desert?

They took unleavened dough, plus gold, silver and clothing given to them by the Egyptians.

That’s ridiculous. The gold and silver are especially useless—like Thurston Howell’s millions on Gilligan’s Island. The passage gives the excuse that, “they were driven out of Egypt and could not wait, nor had they prepared provisions for themselves.”

Okay, so they’re headed out into the desert pretty much unprepared. If God doesn’t provide for them, they’re dead.

Looks like another teachable moment coming.

Technology is a wonderful thing—a great gift from God—but we learn to depend on technology and forget Him. We turn to God for help only in situations where technology feels overwhelmed.

Cancer? We turn to God. Toothache? Technology is the answer. Dementia—back to God. Presbyopia— technology again. God doesn’t provide the water; the faucet does. We just turn the handle.

Ask the LORD to renew our sense of awe and give us a humble perspective. Ask the Holy Spirit to open our eyes to our inadequacies. Hurricanes aren’t the only thing we need to be ready for.

Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.  — 1 Peter 3:15b (NIV)

It’s not all about asking God to help us with our agenda. It’s all about His.

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These weekday DEEPs are written by Mike Slay. Saturdays' by Matt Richardson. Subscribe here: https://www.ailbe.org/resources/community

The weekly study guides, which include questions for discussion or meditation, are here: https://www.ailbe.org/resources/itemlist/category/91-deep-studies

Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.