July 13

THE VERSE

You shall tell your son on that day, “It is because of what the LORD did for me when I came out of Egypt.”
~Exodus 13:8

THE THOUGHT

Today’s Daily Verse is an example of “gospel parenting.” One of parents’ primary responsibilities and privileges is to teach their children to understand and appreciate all that God has done for them. Here in Exodus, God commands parents to explain the ramifications of the Exodus to their children. The next generation would not have witnessed God’s saving power firsthand, and it was up to the parents to instill faith in their children by faithfully instructing them in the events of God’s redemption. How much more should this be true for us now that God’s ultimate redemption has been accomplished in Christ!

But notice how the command in Exodus 13 is framed: tell your children, “It is because of what the Lord did FOR ME.” Parents: in order for your gospel witness to your children to be effective, it must start with your own changed heart. Are you living out the ramifications of the cross in how you interact with your spouse and with your children? Is the gospel a source of joy for you, a joy that is clearly manifested to your children? The most powerful testimony to them of the reality of God’s saving acts will be your own joyful appropriation of the gospel. Make it yours, and by grace your children will make it theirs. If they see clearly all that God has done for you, their eyes will be more readily opened to see all that God can do for them.

THE PRAYER

Lord, Give me a heart overflowing in thankfulness for all that You have accomplished for me in the gospel. Help me to ever remind myself and stand in awe of what You have done for me, so that I can be an effective blessing to my family.

EXTENDED READING

Exodus 13:8-15
Luke 8:39-40
Ephesians 6:1-4

THE QUOTE

“We will not encounter Christ as our best friend, as the source of all true goodness, as the One who provides the sweetest pleasure to our souls, until we abandon ourselves to Him.” ~Larry Crabb

THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR

2 Chronicles 1-2
Psalm 138
Luke 10:1-16
1 Thessalonians 3:1-6