This week's study is from Matt. I'll be mixing some other people into the online Bible study to add some richness and variety. It will be awesome. Just you wait. (Or don't wait, because it starts now!)
This week's study starts in Exodus:
“On that same night I will pass through Egypt and strike down every firstborn of both people and animals, and I will bring judgment on all the gods of Egypt. I am the LORD. The blood will be a sign for you on the houses where you are, and when I see the blood, I will pass over you. No destructive plague will touch you when I strike Egypt. “This is a day you are to commemorate; for the generations to come you shall celebrate it as a festival to the LORD—a lasting ordinance. [Exodus 12:12-14]
God's purposes are eternal, and we can see this as we examine the significance of the Passover. You are probably familiar with this story. The nation of Israel was in slavery for hundreds of years in Egypt. God raised up Moses to lead his people out of this bondage and it was quite an amazing process as the Lord displayed His mighty power. Moses was trying to convince Pharaoh to release his people and showed many convincing signs from God. The king's heart remained hard until finally, the last straw for Pharaoh was the sign that we read about in these verses. God required that each of the Israelite families kill a blemish-free lamb and smear the blood on the door posts and lintels of their homes. As God's judgment went out over the land the destroying angel struck down the first born child of every household and would 'pass over' those homes that were marked and covered with the sacrificial lamb's blood. "Why all this bloody business?" you ask. Well, it has to do with how God designed the universe. The world is governed by all sorts of laws, for example laws of physics (think of the law of gravity, or laws of motion) There are Spiritual laws and principles that describe how his kingdom works. Now think of the law of sowing and reaping: Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. [Galatians 6:7-8]
It's impersonal law that demands that we reap from what we have done, either good or bad. Our sin demands that we reap death, it's simply how the law works. This law must and will be fulfilled. In the Old Testament days they would offer up the life of an animal as an atonement for their sins, to take the punishment they deserved, to reap what they have sown. A life was required and blood demanded as the price for sin. The picture of 'Passover' here is the same idea. God's judgment went out and it was reaping time! If any Israelite failed to put the blood up, they too would fall under the same judgment as the Egyptians. You see they were spared the judgment for one reason, the blood covered their household. They did not have to have enough faith it would work, or worry about how much blood they spread around. They simply had to be covered by it, and they did not get what they deserved. I think sometimes we think God's forgiveness or relationship with him also depends on what we do, or a combination of our faith and works. This story is such a clear and precise picture for us. It is the blood alone that covers us and noting else. His blood either covers all our sin completely or it does nothing at all, there is no middle ground. That is a completely liberating truth! Think about all its implications. It is no coincidence that Jesus shared his 'Last Supper' when he did. He was celebrating the Passover feast with his friends. This, however would be the last time this feast would be celebrated like this. Jesus was trying to teach his friends that he was the fulfillment of the Passover. Take a look: And he said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God.” [Luke 22:15-16]
Jesus is the perfect spotless sacrifice, and his blood was poured out for us. The judgment we deserve will 'pass over' us as we are covered with the perfect undefiled blood of the 'Lamb of God'. It is his blood alone that saves us! John the baptist said "Behold the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" (Jn 1:29) God delivered the Jews from being slaves to the Egyptians, God delivers us from being slaves to the devil and to sin! Joseph Prince, a famous bible teacher, said "When God sees that you see that it is the blood alone that saves, He calls that faith in the blood, and every plague will pass over you!"
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