Scripture Focus: Exodus 12:11
“And thus shall ye eat it; with your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and ye shall eat it in haste: it is the Lord’s Passover.” – Exodus 12:11 (KJV)
The book of Exodus, chapter 12, is a powerful account of God’s deliverance, a night of divine intervention that marked the end of Israel’s bondage in Egypt. It is the story of preparation, obedience, and departure. The Israelites were instructed to eat the Passover meal in haste, fully dressed for travel, ready to leave at a moment’s notice.
As I meditated on this passage, the word “Rapture” echoed in my spirit. The image of readiness leapt off the page — loins girded, sandals on, staff in hand — an attitude of urgency and expectation. The Israelites were not just preparing a meal; they were preparing for a move of God.
Too often, when we reflect on the Passover, our minds focus on Christ, our Passover Lamb — and rightly so. Jesus, the spotless Lamb, was slain for our redemption. Yet, Exodus 12:11 also speaks of another truth — the call to readiness. It is a prophetic picture of believers preparing for a great departure. Just as Israel prepared to leave Egypt behind, we too must be prepared to leave this world when the trumpet sounds.
The Apostle Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 11:26, “For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes.” Every time we partake in Holy Communion, we are not only remembering Christ’s sacrifice, but we are also declaring our expectation of His return. The question is: What is our posture of readiness? Are our spiritual sandals on? Are our hearts uncluttered and our hands free to move when He calls?
Dreams of Departure
For years, the Lord has spoken to me through a recurring dream — one that has never left me. In each dream, my family and I are suddenly called to leave home and head toward a great ship waiting on the eastern shore. There is no time to pack. No time to gather possessions. Just a moment to obey — to leave in haste.
Sometimes in these dreams, my father is already in the car, waiting. Other times, I am the one delayed, still looking for clothes or things to carry — the very things that slow me down. Over time, I began to understand the message: the things of this life can easily weigh us down — our ambitions, possessions, and even our good intentions. Hebrews 12:1 exhorts us, “Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us.”
In one of the dreams during the pandemic, I saw a massive white ship, far greater than any cruise liner, docked right beside the sea. It shone with brilliance and majesty, towering higher than any earthly structure. I saw my father, who had already passed away and rededicated his life to Christ before his death, rise quickly and board the ship. He wore a simple white vest and shorts. Nothing fancy, nothing carried. Just ready. That moment etched deeply in my heart. It was as if the Lord was reminding me that eternal readiness has nothing to do with earthly possession, but only with a heart surrendered and a soul prepared.
The most recent dream was different. This time, my entire family was ready. There was no hesitation, no looking back, no clinging to anything left behind. We ran toward the ship, hearts steady, ready to depart. I awoke from that dream with a deep sense of peace, and an even deeper urgency.
Are You Ready?
Beloved, when I think of Exodus 12:11, the command to eat in haste, to be dressed and ready for departure, it mirrors the spiritual season we are in. We are standing at the threshold of eternity, on the edge of the greatest exodus of all — the gathering of the saints when Christ returns for His Bride.
The white ship in my dreams reminds me of Noah’s Ark; a vessel of safety and divine preservation. The doors are still open. The invitation still stands. But one day, the door will close.
Are your loins girded? Are your sandals on your feet? Is your staff in your hand? Are you ready to leave behind the comforts of this world — your job, your wealth, your goals, your dreams — to meet the Lord in the air?
This is not the time to be entangled with the cares of life. It is the time to be spiritually alert, prayerful, and watchful. The call is urgent, and the trumpet could sound at any moment.
Let us live each day as those who are ready to move, not clinging to Egypt, but longing for the Promised Land.
May our hearts echo the cry of the early church:
“Even so, come, Lord Jesus.” (Revelation 22:20)
“Ready Hearts for the Great Departure”
Heavenly Father,
We thank You for the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ, our Passover Lamb. Thank You for calling us out of darkness and preparing us for Your glorious Kingdom. Lord, help us to live each day with our loins girded, our sandals on, and our hearts ready for Your return.
Forgive us for the times we’ve become distracted by the things of this world; the pursuits, possessions, and pressures that weigh us down. Teach us to let go of anything that hinders our walk with You. Fill us with a holy urgency to walk in obedience, to love deeply, and to serve faithfully until You come.
May our hearts remain steadfast, our lamps burning bright, and our eyes fixed on the horizon, watching and waiting for that trumpet sound. Strengthen our faith, Lord, and awaken in us a longing for heaven that surpasses every earthly desire.
When You call, may we be found ready, without hesitation, without fear, and without regret, and eager to step into the glory of Your presence.
In Jesus’ mighty name,
Amen.
Author: Kimberly A.S. Williams
