Passover and Exodus
Scripture Reading — Exodus 12
On that very day the Lord brought the Israelites out of Egypt.
The Passover is a defining moment for the people of Israel. On the eve of their escape from slavery, God’s people dab their doorframes with the blood of a lamb. And as God brings judgment on all the false gods of Egypt that night, a destructive plague passes over the homes protected by lamb’s blood.
The moment of Passover is to be remembered forever as a sign and seal of God’s deliverance of his people. Forever after, in keeping the Passover, the people of Israel remember God’s mighty deliverance from slavery and his promised faithfulness.
As important as this moment is for God’s Old Testament people, it points to the defining moment for God’s full family, made up of people of all nations. It also involves a sacrifice, fulfilled promises, and an amazing deliverance. Jesus, “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29), shed his blood to protect us from the curse of death for our sins. So now all who believe in him as Savior can be freed from their slavery to sin and have new, full life.
On Christmas we celebrate the birth that looks ahead to Jesus’ death on the cross. Let your longing for the birth of the Lamb of God saturate all you do today.
Jesus, your blood washes us clean of our sin and delivers us to new life. In joy and thanksgiving, help us to live for you, our precious Lord and Savior, in whose name we pray. Amen.
About the author — Kurt Selles
Kurt Selles is the director of ReFrame Ministries and serves as the Executive Editor of Today. He is a graduate of Calvin College and Seminary, and received his PhD from Vanderbilt University. Before coming to ReFrame, he served 19 years in Taiwan and China with CRC World Missions. Kurt later taught missions at Beeson Divinity School, where he also acted as the director of the school’s Global Center. Kurt and his wife, Vicki, reside in Grand Rapids and have three adult children.
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