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 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 quietly in my spirit. The picture of readiness stood out so clearly, with loins girded, sandals on, staff in hand, and hearts filled with 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, is the spotless Lamb, who was slain for our redemption. Yet, Exodus 12:11 also points us to another important truth, the call to readiness. It gives us a prophetic picture of God’s people preparing for a great departure. Just as Israel had to be ready to leave Egypt behind at a moment’s notice, we too are called to live prepared, with hearts set and lives aligned, awaiting the day when the trumpet sounds and we are called home.
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.” Holy Communion is not only a remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice, it is also a declaration of our hope and expectation of His return. Each time we partake, we are quietly saying that we are waiting for Him. And that leads us to an important question. What is our posture of readiness? Are our spiritual sandals on? Are our hearts uncluttered and our hands free to move when He calls?
My Dreams of Departure
For years, the Lord has spoken to me through a recurring dream and 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 and no time to gather possessions. There is only a moment to respond, to obey, and to leave in haste when the call comes.
In some of these dreams, my father is already seated in the family car, waiting. In others, I am the one delayed, still searching for clothes or gathering things to take with me, the very things that end up slowing me down. Over time, I began to understand what the Lord was showing me. The things of this life can so easily weigh us down, whether they are ambitions, possessions, distractions, or even good intentions held too tightly. That is why Hebrews 12:1 urges us to "lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily entangles us", so that we can run freely and respond quickly when God calls.
In one of those dreams during the pandemic, I saw a massive white ship, far greater than any cruise liner, docked beside the sea. It radiated brilliance and majesty, towering above everything around it. In that moment, I saw my father, who had passed away on July 6, 2021, and who had rededicated his life to Christ before his passing. He rose quickly and boarded the ship without hesitation. He wore a simple white vest and shorts. Nothing fancy, nothing carried. Just ready. That moment etched deeply in my heart. It felt as though the Lord was gently reminding me that eternal readiness has nothing to do with what we possess on earth, but everything to do with a surrendered heart and a soul that is 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. My mother, brother and I 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 meditate upon the words 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, living on the edge of the greatest exodus of all, the glorious gathering of the saints when Christ returns for His Bride.
The white ship in my dreams also brings to mind Noah’s Ark, a place of safety and divine preservation in the midst of judgment. It reminds me that God always provides a way of escape for those who are willing to enter. Right now, the door is still open, and the invitation is still being extended. But Scripture reminds us that a day will come when that door will close, and what matters most is whether we were ready to step inside when the call is made.
Are your loins girded? Are your sandals on your feet? Is your staff in your hand? Are you prepared to release the comforts of this world, your job, your wealth, your goals, and even your dreams, so that you can meet the Lord in the air when He calls?
Yes we ought to occupy until Jesus comes, but 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, so our hearts must stay awake, ready, and anchored in Him.
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