Exodus 12
The New Era: Understanding Exodus 12 Together
As we dive into Exodus 12, we find ourselves on the brink of a profound transformation for God’s people. God is not just orchestrating an escape; He is instilling a new calendar, one that will anchor generations to come in the story of His redemption. This chapter marks the beginning of a divine narrative that highlights the importance of time—times, dates, anniversaries, and celebrations. These are not mere markers on a calendar; they are the touchstones of our faith.
A Call to Faith
In Exodus 12, God delivers a critical message of faith without panic. He is about to do three monumental things:
He will pass through Egypt.
He will strike down the firstborn.
He will bring judgment upon Egypt.
This divine intervention prompts us to consider our own obedience. The Israelites were instructed to mark their doorposts with the blood of a lamb, a sign that would grant them protection from death. It’s a stark reminder that we too have a choice: to live under the blood of the Lamb, Jesus Christ, who redeems us from our own bondage to sin.
Running Towards God
In verse 11, we see an urgent call to readiness: “With minds that are alert.” The Israelites were to eat the Passover meal with their cloaks tucked in, symbolizing their preparation to flee. This urgency reflects our own need to run towards God and away from our past, not because of our merit, but because we live our lives redeemed by the blood of the Lamb.
Just as the Israelites were saved from slavery, we are saved from sin. Romans 6 reminds us that we have died to sin and can no longer live in it. Our new identity in Christ is rooted in this exodus from sin.
A Clear Distinction
God’s instructions in Exodus 12 serve to distinguish between the Egyptians and the Israelites. He knew each family’s location and identity. This illustrates the importance of recognizing the grace extended to us through the blood of the Lamb. Every single person stands equally in need of this redemption; Romans 3:23 tells us we have all sinned and fall short. The question remains: who will choose to live under the protection offered by the sacrificial blood?
The Power of the Blood
The Passover is a powerful testament to God’s mercy. Where the blood was applied, death could not enter. The promise of protection through obedience was fulfilled as families woke to find their loved ones safe. This narrative echoes in our own lives: it is through the blood of Christ that we find our salvation and protection.
We must remember that the Passover meal was for those ready to walk with God. Throughout the Bible, it served as a reminder of God’s faithfulness, compelling the people to return to Him. Leaders like Hezekiah, Josiah, and Ezra exemplified this commitment to realign the community around God’s promises.
The Ultimate Passover Lamb
As we reflect on this pivotal moment in Exodus, we can’t ignore its profound connection to Jesus. He embodies the ultimate Passover Lamb, bringing about a new and final exodus. His life and sacrifice mean that we, too, can live protected from death and sin. In Galatians 2:20, we see that our spiritual life hinges on the death of another—the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.
Jesus, the sinless and unblemished Lamb, fulfilled the requirements of the law perfectly. His sacrifice wasn’t just a momentary act; it was the culmination of God’s redemptive plan. The blood of the Lamb offers life, just as it did in Egypt, but we must respond in obedience to experience that life.
A New Beginning
Exodus 12 marks not just the end of an era for Israel but the beginning of a new chapter in God’s redemptive story. The annual celebrations established in this chapter serve as reminders of what God has done. They teach us about guilt, grace, and gratitude—transforming our lives into a continuous narrative of worship and obedience.
As we contemplate the Exodus, we recognize its significance throughout history. It has inspired movements of liberation and justice, reminding us that God’s people are called not just to freedom, but to a new form of obedience. We, too, are called to be a community that chooses to follow God wholeheartedly.
Conclusion: Joining the Exodus
In the grand story of Exodus, we see a massive movement of 2-3 million people, and we also recognize that others from different backgrounds joined them. This inclusion reminds us that belonging to God’s people is not about ethnicity but commitment to worship and obedience.
As we journey through life, let us remember that we are liberated for a purpose. We are freed not just from bondage but into a life of righteousness, where Christ’s yoke is easy and His burden is light. Together, we celebrate our liberation, knowing that it is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Let us stand firm in this truth and embrace the new life we’ve been given, marked by the blood of the Lamb.
