Exodus 12

On Thanksgiving, my family has a bowl set out by the front door, and every year we all take turns filling out a piece of paper with the things we are grateful for. Then, as we sit down to eat together, we pass the bowl around, read the paper aloud and try to guess who wrote each thing. Sometimes the notes are sentimental and sweet; sometimes they are funny and shallow. This tradition, although it’s nothing special, is one of my most cherished memories. I love sitting around a table with my family and reflecting on all the things that happened in the previous year.

As we read about the Passover today, it may seem like a far-off story. Many of us probably don’t continue to celebrate the Passover, and if we do, it probably looks a lot different than the story we read today. The Passover story reminds us that God is the deliverer, and He will free His people from slavery.

God’s people had to sacrifice a lamb, meaning they physically had to take innocent life in order to spare the life of their firstborn child. The instructions were clear and meticulous, and when the Israelites demonstrated their faith by carrying these things out, they were freed from slavery and the death that came knocking. It seems similar to another story we read about in the bible, doesn’t it?

Jesus was sent to earth blameless and without sin, only to be hung on the cross and killed for being enslaved to sin. Jesus paid the final price, providing true freedom for all who believe in Him. Just like how the angel of death passed over those whose doors were marked with blood, so does the blood of Jesus cover us from death and destruction that comes from sin. In Christ, we are free indeed, free forever. 

As you read about the Passover today, reflect on times when God has set you free from sin and thank Him for Jesus' sacrifice.