Advent Devotional - 10th Day

Tuesday, December 6th, 2011

Written by: Gardner Hussey

Readings: Exodus 12:1 - 14:31

The Passover: The Israelites were told to put the blood of an unblemished lamb on their door posts so that when the Lord passed over them, he would not destroy them but destroy the first born males and animals of the Egyptians and bring judgment on all the gods of Egypt.

The Exodus: Pharaoh summons Moses and Aaron and tells them to take all the Israelites and leave the country, all 600,000 of them. They were led by day by a pillar of clouds and by night by a pillar of fire. Pharaoh changed his mind because now he lost many of his slaves and servants, and pursued them. When the Israelites saw this they were afraid and angry with Moses. Moses told them, “Do not be afraid, stay firm and see.” The Lord commanded Moses to stretch out his hand over the sea and the water parted and the Israelites were able to cross over. When Pharaoh’s army tried to cross over, the Lord, with Moses , closed the waters over them and all perished. When the Israelites saw the Lord’s great power displayed they put their trust in Him and Moses His servant.

The Meaning: The Israelites were slaves and under bondage to a foreign ruler. The blood sacrifice of the unblemished lambs was a sign not to slay God’s people but set them free from the yoke of a foreign power. When they left Egypt, God guided them day and night. When the oppressors tried to recapture them the Lord destroyed them. When the Israelites saw God’s awesome power they put their trust in Him. The blood of the Lamb of God (Jesus) sets us free and we are no longer slaves to another power (sin). All we have to do is put our trust in Him.

Lord, let us never forget your awesome power and that you are always with us. Amen.

Family Moments:

Tuesday: Week 2, Israelites, Passover and Exodus, Lamb
(Exodus 13:8-9) God saved the Israelites and delivered them from Egypt. Then, God commands the adults to explain to their children the meaning behind the traditions God is instructing. Use this opportunity to look at a nativity and explain to your family what Christmas is all about – the birth of Jesus Christ. If possible, watch “A Charlie Brown Christmas” as Charlie Brown struggles to learn the true meaning of Christmas. Color the ornament and add it to your Jesse Tree.