Our Jewish friends celebrate the end of Passover this week, marking their deliverance and freedom from slavery in Egypt. As followers of Jesus, we are also celebrating our deliverance this week, freedom from the sin that held us captive.
The parallels in these celebrations are no coincidence. Jesus, our Passover Lamb, delivers us from death and marks our beginning into freedom.
God alone freed the Israelites. He miraculously brought them out, an otherwise helpless people in the face of their overwhelming enemy. It was God who came to rescue them; they did not seek Him out.
God alone has redeemed us. He comes to us and offers salvation. We are helpless in our sin, but God lovingly seeks us out and provides the way.
After delivering the Israelites, God initiated covenantal relationship. He brought them to Sinai and engaged them as His people, literally. The Jewish people see those events on Sinai as a picture of a marriage vow.
Jesus paid for our redemption and enters into relationship with us, calling the Church His bride.
God desired to live with the Israelites and said He would dwell among them. The tabernacle and the pillars of smoke and fire were all visible reminders of His presence.
On Pentecost there was a great display of smoke and fire and God moved in with His people in a new way. The Holy Spirit lives in and among His people today and we see His presence as He works in and through the Church.
On their way to the Promised Land, God protected and provided for the Israelites. He taught them through the various trials they encountered and gave them opportunity to learn and to grow in faith.
We are on our way to a new Promised Land. God is faithful as the Spirit guides and teaches us, giving us counsel and comfort. He offers protection from the evil one and provides for our needs.
I am celebrating my freedom today. By His grace and mercy, I am not bound to the sin that condemned me. The Lamb has been slain. He paid my sin, conquered death and rose again! I am free to follow Him.
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. Romans 8:1-2
