READ EXODUS 12
The content we have read in the previous chapters has all been leading us to this impactful conclusion. At this moment, God inflicts the final and most severe plague on Egypt— the death of the firstborn sons. It's a difficult and weighty event to comprehend. Although challenging, we cannot omit the tough and enigmatic aspects of the Bible. Throughout this ordeal, God repeatedly warned Pharaoh. In Exodus 4:22-23, God declared, ". . . Israel is my son, even my firstborn: And I say unto thee, Let my son go, that he may serve me: and if thou refuse to let him go, behold, I will slay thy son, even thy firstborn." God's word cannot be contradicted. Despite having the power to swiftly eliminate the stubborn Pharaoh, God provided numerous opportunities for him to repent. Romans 2:4 states that God's kindness and mercy aimed to guide the king towards repentance. However, Pharaoh showed no interest in God's gracious offer.
God gives the Israelites precise instructions to prepare them for their deliverance, including eating hastily and wearing their travel attire. Furthermore, God commands them to celebrate their deliverance. God's directives to His people precede their liberation; He ensures that they are prepared. The Israelites trusted that while their liberation was imminent, their Deliverer was already present. They demonstrated faith by believing that God would fulfill His promises.
As we engage with the Bible, we must recognize that all Scripture points toward Jesus, our ultimate Deliverer. The significance of the Passover lamb should not be overlooked. The Israelites were instructed to sacrifice a perfect, unblemished lamb and apply its blood on their doorposts for protection. This act symbolized the salvation brought about by the blood of our True Passover Lamb, who saves us from the consequences of sin and death.
Additionally, it is crucial to note that the Egyptians worshipped livestock, including lambs, as deities. Instructing the Israelites to slaughter a god revered by their oppressors was a powerful statement. The required faith to carry out this command was monumental, as it defied Egyptian beliefs. This act of faith could have endangered the lives of the Israelites by marking their rejection of Egyptian notions of holiness. The liberation of the Israelites necessitated a sacrifice of a cultural, lesser god.
Similarly, our deliverance and freedom may hinge on our willingness to relinquish the idols we worship. We must identify and eliminate the sins that hinder our freedom and embrace the fullness of liberation. Our deliverance is not solely for the sake of freedom; it is intended to enable us to serve and worship God, proclaiming His greatness as the One who rescued us from darkness and brought us into His marvelous light.
Our deliverance is on the horizon, yet our Deliverer is already present. Let us trust in Him and celebrate in anticipation of our Promised Land.
QUESTIONS
1. What is revealed about God's character in this passage?
2. Romans 2:4 teaches that God's kindness prompts repentance. How did God display kindness toward Pharaoh in the previous eight chapters of the Exodus? How did God exhibit kindness toward the Israelites?
3. Are there any sacrifices you need to make in order to encounter God's deliverance and freedom in your life? What is preventing you from doing so?