Thursday, April 17, 2003
Meditation
Exodus 12:1-8,11-14
Holy Thursday
Today, at the beginning of the great Easter Triduum, it is fitting that we read about the Israelites as they prepared to leave their former lives of slavery in Egypt. During this weekend of immense power and grace, God calls us to prepare for our own exodus, for the freedom that he has won for us by his cross.
All week long, we have been asking, “What has the cross of Christ accomplished?” Today, in the story of the first Passover, we can see a foreshadowing of the blood that Jesus shed on the cross, and the power of that blood to overcome sin and death. At the first Passover, the Israelites were to place the blood of a slaughtered lamb over the doorposts of their homes as protection from the destroying angel. This lamb was to be without blemish, just as Jesus was without sin—a perfect and fully acceptable offering to the Father. Now, because he shed his blood for us, Jesus has won for us protection against the forces of evil.
When God looks upon the blood of Jesus, death and sin pass over us. Through faith in this blood, we experience our own exodus from slavery and are brought into his presence. Our own attempts to free ourselves, our own efforts to find favor with God, will always fall short. Instead of trying to make ourselves holy by relying solely on our hard work, we must be sure we are covered by the blood of the Lamb. Then, we will know protection from the snares of the evil one and deliverance from the power of sin.
Just as God ransomed the Israelites from the land of Egypt, Jesus has ransomed us. Just as Moses delivered the Israelites from the heavy hand of Pharaoh, Jesus has freed us from slavery to the devil. As you enter into this weekend of grace and power, place before the Lord all those things that keep you bound to the ways of this world. Ask him to show you his glory as you wait for him this weekend.
“Lord Jesus, you are the great deliverer. I want to spend the next three days preparing for your deliverance. I await your resurrection with my staff in hand, with sandals on my feet, and dressed ready to follow you to freedom. Come, Lord, and deliver all your people!”
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