READ DEUTERONOMY 16
GO DEEPER
The beginning of Deuteronomy 16 (verses 1-8) refers back to Exodus 12, where the Israelites were enslaved in Egypt under Pharaoh. In order to gain Pharaoh's attention and free His people, God inflicted ten plagues on Egypt. The tenth and most devastating plague, the death of the firstborn, resulted in the loss of every firstborn child in Egypt, including those of the Israelites. However, God offered a solution for the Israelites known as "the Passover."
The Passover was God's method of safeguarding His people. To shield the Israelites from the firstborn plague, God provided a way by permitting the use of an unblemished lamb as a substitute. God instructed the Israelites to sacrifice an unblemished lamb from their flock and mark their doorposts with its blood. God promised to spare the firstborn in households marked with blood during the tenth plague, accepting the offering of the slaughtered lamb, which indeed occurred. Shortly after this event, Pharaoh freed the Israelites from bondage, signifying God's liberation of His people.
What an incredible STORY! It appears that a story as impactful as this would not fade from memory easily. Nevertheless, the Israelites frequently overlooked the miraculous deeds of God in saving them, not only from the peril facing their firstborn but also from the bonds of slavery. In this instance, Moses urges the Israelites to remember both the specific occasions and the methods by which God rescued them. This act of remembrance should not be a one-time event; rather, every time the month of Aviv came, the Israelites were instructed to reflect on the sustenance and liberation that He bestowed upon them.
Our salvation may not have required the sacrifice of a perfect lamb or the liberation from servitude to a cruel ruler. Instead, our salvation requires the sacrifice of a blameless individual and our liberation from subjugation to a harsh opponent. Jesus, referred to as our Passover lamb in 1 Corinthians 5:7, was unjustly sacrificed on the cross for our sins. The promising aspect is that if we have faith in this gift from God, He will pardon our sins by acknowledging the sacrifice of His Son on our behalf, just as He did for the initial Israelites in Egypt.
Moses encourages the Israelites to regularly recall the circumstances of their salvation and liberation from death and captivity. Likewise, we should frequently reflect on how God redeemed us from death and captivity through Christ, granting us new life and freedom.
QUESTIONS
1. Why is it beneficial to recall the time and manner in which God rescued the Israelites from death and enslavement to grant them life and liberation through Christ? Why does Moses urge the Israelites to always remember this truth?
2. Reflect on the time and way in which God brought you from the grip of death and captivity to a state of freedom and life through Christ. If you have not yet embraced Christ's atonement for you, what is holding you back? Bear in mind that sin will be punished, and acknowledge that Jesus bore the penalty of your sins to redeem and liberate you.
3. In what manner can you consistently revisit and keep in mind God's provision in your life? Consider sharing your faith journey with a friend, colleague, or stranger to not only inform others but also to remind yourself of the grace of God in your life.