March 04, 2016

Saved by the Blood

Exodus 12:1-13

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.

—  Exodus 12:13

No event in Israel’s history was more recognized and remembered than the Passover. The Feast of the Passover was celebrated every year. It recalled how the angel of death “passed over” the houses of Israel but killed the firstborn of the Egyptians. The Passover was the event that finally set Israel free from slavery in Egypt.

What made the difference between life and death? What determined whether a family’s house was passed over or the firstborn died? Blood. God told the people of Israel to choose a lamb without defect and to offer it as a sacrifice. They had to smear the lamb’s blood all around the door of their house, and when the angel came and saw the blood, he would pass by that house. Everyone in that house would be spared. The blood of the sacrificed lamb would protect them. But in ­every home that did not have the blood of the lamb, the firstborn would die.

On the night before he died, Jesus celebrated the Passover with his disciples one last time. The next day he would die on the cross as the true Passover lamb. He shed his blood for us, and his blood saves us from eternal death.

Are you covered by the gift of Jesus’ blood? Whom can you guide to Jesus for the salvation his blood gives?

Lord Jesus, your blood saves. We worship and love you for the way you laid down your life for us at the cross. In your name we pray. Amen.

About the author — Tom Groelsema

Tom Groelsema and his wife, Sheri, have served churches in Minnesota, Michigan, and North Carolina. They have four children and three granddaughters.

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