Passover Promises

As a final step in the liberation of His people, God warned that He would strike down all the firstborn males – human and animal – in Egypt. But He also offered protection to the Israelites. An angel would pass by homes with blood on the doorpost, as long as this was blood from a one-year-old male lamb “without blemish” (v. 5).

This protection was provided for the Jews and also for anyone who agreed to His conditions (v. 48). God kept His Word. At midnight, all the firstborn males were killed except in the houses protected by the blood.

This became the foundation for the Passover feast. It was to be “a memorial day,” a “feast to the Lord” to be kept throughout all generations (v. 14). And it was to be a sign, a day to remember how God had delivered them and set them free (Exodus 13:3).

These Passover principles still are true for believers. The Bible tells us that Jesus is “the Lamb of God, for He takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). Just like the lamb of the Passover, Jesus’ blood provides deliverance, protection, and freedom. His blood “cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:7).

Passover begins at sundown today. Make this a season of reflection, to remember all God has done for you. Be sure you are protected by the blood of Jesus and that your sins have been forgiven.