"For I will pass through the land of Egypt on this night...; and...I will execute judgment: I am the LORD....And when I see the blood, I will pass over you...." (From Exodus 12:12 & 13)
The word, "Passover," occurs 71 times in the Bible. In the first mention, it is called, "the Lord's Passover." Indeed it is. It was the Living Triune God Who did the "pass over" that night. If He had not passed over the houses that night in Egypt so long ago, every first born in every house would have died. But it was, "And when I see the blood, I will pass over you...." I read this morning of a tradition in Judaism, recorded in the Talmud, called, "The Fast of the Firstborn," which occurs on the day before Passover. This is a time when the first born in Jewish families fast in commemoration of the Passover. Regardless of some disparaging remarks about "tradition," this is good.
It it important to note, however, that it was not just Jews who were spared that night. There was, "a mixed multitude," whom the NLT describes as, "many people who were not Israelites...." (v.38). Wycliffe says that they were, "Egyptians and other nationalities who had married Hebrews, were seeking escape from bondage or were persuaded that there was some advantage to be gained by being on the side of so powerful a deity as Jehovah." Well, I guess so! And if I perceive the reality of what was happening that night, only those escaped who were in the dwellings of those who had obeyed the command, "Then they are to take some of the blood and put it on the sides and tops of the doorframes of the houses...."
Nothing has changed. The only safe place to be today, right now in this present age and the current global chaos, is under the Blood of the Passover Lamb, Jesus Christ. From "the Passover story" we witness the Good News in Jesus Christ, that the Heart of the Blessed Trinity is not just for Jews. It is also for, "a mixed multitude." We, along with every Jew who is under the Blood of Jesus Christ, are children of the Passover, the Deliverance, children of the "escape," children of Father's cleansing and forgiveness of all sin in the Precious Blood of our Passover Lamb, Jesus. There is just no other sacrifice acceptable in the Divine Economy. "For Christ our Passover has been sacrificed for us."
Father, in Jesus' Name, I thank You that You have included those of us of, "a mixed multitude." Amen.
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Devotional Archive: www.apfdevotionals.blogspot.com
When an 18 year old Norwegian "heard the call to evangelize China, he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"
"Looking Unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2
