Bible Pathways - Jan. 21, 2009
January 21
Highlights In Today's Reading:
The blood from the passover lamb must be applied to the lintel and the two side posts. . . . as the Lord had commanded (12:22).
The Egyptians and the Israelites alike were sinners by nature. For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God (Rom. 3:23). The Holy God cannot ignore sin. So the death sentence was passed upon all the firstborn in the land of Egypt (Ex. 11:5) where Israelites and Egyptians both dwelt.
However, God provided a way of deliverance for the Israelites because of His covenant with Abraham. But it was surely not by works of their righteousness — they had none. The sentence of death must be executed, but for all who believed in the One True God, a substitute was offered. The sentence of death fell upon an innocent victim, a lamb without blemish (12:5), and its blood was applied as God had directed.
God gave specific qualifications for the Israelites to be passed over (12:27). They were also to follow His instructions exactly to fulfill their part of the Covenant. They placed faith in God by obeying His command and ate all the lamb, unleavened bread, and bitter herbs (12:7-10). Jesus fulfilled Passover by offering His innocent blood in our stead. Christians are also called to fulfill our part of the New Covenant by obeying all the Word of God and living sanctified (separated, dedicated) lives. As He which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation (behavior) (I Pet. 1:15).
The old life and all that it meant in Egypt was gone. This month shall be unto you the beginning of months: it shall be the first month of the year to you (Ex. 12:2). The same is true for a believer today: Old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new (II Cor. 5:17). All that attracted our attention in the old life — the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life (I John 2:16) — have no spiritual value and cannot bring eternal life. He that believeth not the Son shall not see life (John 3:36). It is also true that not every one that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven, but he that doeth the will of My Father which is in heaven (Matt. 7:21).
The lamb was a type of the Lord Jesus Christ our Passover . . . (who was) sacrificed for us: Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth (I Cor. 5:7-8).
Thought for Today:
The old hymn still asks the most important question ever asked: "Are you washed in the blood, in the soul cleansing blood of the Lamb?"
Christ Revealed:
By the blood applied to the door posts. Jesus is not "a door," but "The Door" to heaven. There is no other way to heaven except through Him (Ex. 12:7,12-13,21-23; John 10:9;14:6; Acts 4:10-12).
Word Studies:
11:7 move his tongue =bark, growl; 12:9 purtenance =internal organs; 12:11 your loins girded =dressed ready for travel; 12:22 hyssop =common plant of the mint family; lintel =crosspiece above the door; 12:36 spoiled =took all the valuables; 13:2 Sanctify =dedicate; 13:3 leavened bread =bread with yeast — symbolic of corruption and evil; 13:12 matrix =womb; 13:16 token =reminder that we belong to God; frontlets =small leather box containing Scripture; 13:17 repent =change their minds; 13:18 harnessed =on military order.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Staff: Mike Moore • Government Official: Rep. Robert Wexler (FL) • Country: Uzbekistan (24.4 million) central Asia • Major languages: Uzbek and Russian • Limited religious freedom due to Islamic influence • 68.2% Muslim (largely Sunni); 4.4% Russian Orthodox; .2% Roman Catholic; .2% Protestant; .5% Jewish; .5% Other; .2% Baha'i; .3% Buddhist; 25.5% non-Religious/Other • Prayer Suggestion: Humble yourself and read the Word of God (Is. 66:2).
Optional Reading: Matthew 21
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 4:17
