Read: Exodus 12:1-4, 11-14
(This passage is a precursor to the well-known exodus of the Hebrews from slavery in Egypt. God’s plagues did not melt Pharaoh’s heart, and the Hebrews were skeptical to say the lease.)
God is not mincing words here. God is giving instructions to Moses and Aaron on how the Hebrews can save themselves from God’s final and most devastating plague against Egypt. God’s intent is very clear - God is Lord! God will fulfill God’s promise to save them. So God changes the calendar and gives explicit details on when and how God’s orders are to be completed: On the tenth day of that month, choose a lamb for each household; share with a neighbor if your household is too small, because all the lamb has to be consumed and portions have to be manageable. Slaughter the lamb on the 14th day and use the lamb’s blood to make the door posts and so spare the Hebrews when the Lord’s death vengeance passed through. Orders on how to dress and how to consume the meal, and finally how to celebrate this memorable occasion as a festival forever. (Now known as the ‘Passover’). Follow God’s orders and be saved.
Fast forward to our current Easter weekend. According to the Gospels, the Last Supper and Jesus’ crucifixion coincided with the festival of Passover. Coincidence? Or part of the plan to save us? John actually places the crucifixion on the 14th day and refers to Jesus as the ‘sacrificial lamb.’ Another awesome memorial that culminated on Easter! Free pardon mercy and grace for all!! Freedom from personal slavery! The resurrection on Easter fulfills the promise of a Savior.
Are we accepting God’s instructions for our salvation, even now? Or is skepticism winning?
O God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come, be thou our guide while life shall last; and our eternal home. (Isaac Watts)
Merlyn Drummond
(from 2016 Lenten Devotion)