30 It must be eaten that same day; leave none of it till morning. I am the LORD.
Have you noticed that this phrase “I am the LORD” has ended many of the sections in these chapters. It is as if the command is to be followed simply because the Lord says so. And that is exactly what is meant. When I was growing up I learned that if my parents said so, that was the end of the argument. Their word was final. Nothing could change it. That didn’t mean I didn’t argue with them. It just meant I knew they had spoken and they were not going to change their mind easily. As parents we need our word to be consistent, timely and proportional. Our children need us to not yield to their arguments and manipulations. These firm boundaries provide them the needed structure so they can feel safe and secure. Our rules need to make sense and be tailored to bring about the desire eternal outcomes. The best corrective measures are those that match the crime and are carried out. Threats don’t work. A simple statement of the rules with execution of the consequences. That is what kids listen to. Make the punishment fit the crime. Don’t overdo the punishments. Make your expectations clear and follow through. Make your word as trustworthy as the Lord’s.
The Arnold Journey 