“Then they are to take some of the blood and put it on the sides and tops of the doorframes of the houses where they eat the lambs.” (Exodus 12:7 NIV84)

Our verse for today takes us to the actual practices of the Passover. On this day, the angel of death went through Egypt to claim the life of every firstborn in the land. God had warned Pharaoh that this would occur if he didn’t relent from his harsh treatment of God’s firstborn (Israel). The Hebrew people were instructed to take the blood of the 1-year-old goat or lamb they sacrificed that night and put some of it on the doorframes of their houses. Only the presence of this blood would protect their firstborn. There is no metaphor here. Their firstborn were literally protected by the blood.

The same is true for us in a much more important way. The Israelites received protection of their physical lives by their proper participation in the Passover. But we have received the salvation and protection of our eternal souls through the blood of Jesus Christ. On the day of the Passover, Jesus (God’s Firstborn) was crucified and suffered on our behalf all that would separate us from God. He bore our sins and their consequences. The Apostle John says in his first letter, “and the blood of Jesus purifies us from every sin” (1 John 1:7). Our eternal security lies not in our obedience to a religious festival, but in Jesus’ obedience to His Father. By God’s grace alone do we find protection in the blood of Jesus, our Savior and Lord.

Also note that living under the protection of the blood of Christ offers some benefits in this life. In the blood of Christ we are washed clean. We are free from the guilt and shame that the Enemy would want to throw in our faces. We can live our daily lives under the same blood that protects and guards our eternal souls.

Peace!

Pastor Tom

www.firmlyrooted.church