Exodus 13 As the people of Israel leave Egypt the Lord gave them some instructions.. for the present and for the future.  The first thing that He commands them to do is to "Remember".. 

They were to set apart or "sanctify" every first born son and the first born of their animals.  This would remind them of the fact that God had spared their children and resources from the judgement that He poured out on Egypt.  They were to honor the Lord, remembering His "powerful Hand" that brought them out of slavery and suffering.  

When they arrived into the promised land and established their nation there, the Israelites were to "devote" every first born to the Lord.  He set up a way to "redeem" their first-born sons with a sacrifice offered before Him. 

The Lord also provided a physical sign of His presence with the people of Israel. The pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night was given to them as they traveled out of Egypt. 

When they left Egypt and followed the pillar.. we are told that "God did not lead them by way of the land of Philistines, even though it was near; "   He didn't want them to "see war" and change their minds and return to slavery in Egypt.  Instead, the Lord led them to the Red Sea.  

In many ways the children of Israel were just that.. "children".. Their faith was weak.. their knowledge of God scant.. their faithfulness untested.  The Lord had done amazing and powerful works in their sight.. showing them, for the first time, Who He is.  He wanted them to remember this! He established His covenant with them, so that they would see themselves as set apart.. "sanctified" as His people.  He gave them these first few instructions.. to help them see themselves in a whole new way.. no longer slaves, but the people.. the nation.. of the Lord's choosing. 

Father in heaven, You have called us Your children.  You have chosen us to belong to Your family.. redeeming us by the blood of the Lamb.  You lead us in Your paths.. which sometimes are not the fastest ways.. but the best ways.. the ways that reveal to us Who You are.  You desire for us to remember and to obey... and to trust You.  We may not see the pillar of cloud or fire.. but, we know that You are with us every day and every night and we are so thankful.  Have Your way in us today, Lord. We are Your people, the sheep of Your pasture.. and we give You praise. You are amazing, God!  Amen.