Lesson Two: The Value of a Family Meal
During the 10th and final plague in Egypt God instructed each father to prepare a roasted lamb accompanied by unleavened bread and herbs for his family. When the plague of the death of the firstborn passed through the land of Egypt at Midnight, Jewish families were safely gathered around their dinner tables eating a family meal.
Why did God instruct Jewish fathers to lead a family meal in the middle of a horrible plague? Because He was establishing a divine principle: The dinner table was to become the altar of the home. Later on in the book of Deuteronomy God would give this instruction to the Israelites:
“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit at the table….”
This is a great lesson for us today from the night of the Passover. As the coronavirus creates uncertainty and perplexity all around us, learn this valuable lesson from the 10th plague in Egypt: It’s of great importance to gather your family around the dinner table. Make the mealtime a moment of worship, loving God, teaching, learning, blessing, and communication.
The meaningful experience of a family meal with these components will inspire hope, peace, and faith in you and your children during this uncertain time. Moses actually commemorated the Passover family meal as a moment of instruction for children (Exodus 12:26-27).
You can also break bread and drink the cup representing Christ’s sacrifice for all of us in your family gathering around the table. Paul the Apostle tells us that Jesus is our Passover lamb (I Corinthians 5:7).
Make the family meal a nightly event in your home. It will become a point in the day of enjoyment for your family in a time when everyone is growing weary of the longevity of social isolation during this pandemic. Read the scriptures, light candles, and bring out your best dishes. Make it the most special time of the day.