Exodus 11-12

Exodus 11 begins with God telling Moses that a final plague would come upon the land and people of Egypt. This mighty sign would be the most devastating of all, as all the firstborn in Egypt would perish. God also declares that this catastrophic event would be the one that would prompt Pharaoh to set the Israelites free from their bondage to slavery. We have seen this truth elsewhere in the events leading up to today’s reading, but take a moment to marvel at how God knows how the future will unfold. Why is this important? For one, as you read on in Scripture and specifically about how we, as Christians, will be delivered from this fallen world (much like the people of Israel were set free from Egypt), it ought to give us an assured hope for our eternity. If God said we will be residents of the new heaven and new earth (and He did), the fact that He knows all things means these upcoming times ahead will unfold just as He says they will. 

In chapter 12, we read of several significant events in the history of God’s chosen people. As you read, take note of the following:

·       God instructs His people to be ready for Him to deliver them from bondage. In advance of this new beginning, the Israelites were to kill an unblemished lamb (foreshadowing Jesus, the Lamb of God), put its blood on the doorposts, and be dressed for departure. God then informs them that the “blood shall be a sign for you, on the houses where you are. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you” (v. 13). We are reminded here that “Without the sacrifice, there could have been no fresh start.”[i] In faith, the people of Israel did as God commanded, and they would soon enjoy deliverance from slavery. Friends, the time is now to respond in faith for our departure from this world. Is the blood of Jesus covering your sins so that God’s judgment will “pass over” you? Are you eagerly anticipating the call from Him to rise up and leave this land? Have you embraced the new life that is now yours in Christ Jesus? I implore you, in the strongest sense, not to put off your response so that you, too, may be delivered from exile and into the Promised Land that awaits God’s people. 

·       God’s deliverance is to be remembered. The Passover was not intended to be a one-time event that was soon forgotten. Rather, God freeing His people from the yoke of slavery was to be celebrated annually by all generations, as a way of rooting themselves in the identity of being delivered by God. Interestingly, on the night that Jesus was betrayed, He shared the Passover meal with His closest followers. Soon thereafter, His sacrificial death, resurrection, and ascension would offer a fresh, new life for those who chose to trust in Him as Lord and Savior. Today, we remember the Lamb of God’s birth at Christmas, as well as His death and resurrection at Easter. We also communally partake of the Lord’s Supper, a holy sacrament that reminds us that our Passover Lamb’s body and blood have saved us from the kingdom of darkness (Colossians 1:13). These special days and moments help us recall the earthly ministry of Jesus, so that all generations will never forget God’s great love for His people.    

·       God’s promises are fulfilled. In Genesis 15, “the LORD said to Abram, ‘Know for certain that your offspring will be sojourners in a land that is not theirs and will be servants there, and they will be afflicted for four hundred years. But I will bring judgment on the nation that they serve, and afterward they shall come out with great possessions” (vv. 13-14). In that same chapter, God also assures Abram that his descendants will be as numerous as the stars in the sky (v. 5). 430 years later, it is recorded in Exodus 12 that roughly two million Israelites leave Egypt, where they were slaves, with a bounty of silver, gold, and fine clothing. Let us never doubt that all of God’s promises will come to pass!

To be sure, there is so much richness in today’s passage because so much of it points to a greater fulfillment in Christ Jesus. “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29). 

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Journal responses to the following prompts:

·       Are you prepared to depart this fallen world and enter into God’s presence forever?

In what ways do you practically recall how God delivered you from the kingdom of darkness into His glorious light?

[i] ESV Study Bible. (2008). Crossway Books.