Most of us remember the stories of the ten plagues that led up to the Israelites being allowed to leave Egypt. Or, sent out of Egypt as Pharaoh wanted them out as soon as possible especially after the tenth plague where the firstborn of every family in Egypt was killed by God - which is what it took for Pharaoh to summon Moses and Aaron and said: “Up! Leave my people, you and the Israelites! Go worship the Lord as you have requested. Take your flocks and herds, as you have said, and go. And also bless me.”

In fact, so terrified were the Egyptians of God’s power which the plagues exhibited that they gave the Israelites all kinds of silver and gold and clothing as they departed Egypt. The text says, “so they plundered the Egyptians.”

It is the last plague that was most instructive because it is called the Passover. God had told the Israelites to sacrifice a lamb without blemish and 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. “On that same night I will pass through Egypt and strike down every firstborn - both men and animals - and I will bring judgment on all the gods of Egypt. I am the Lord. The blood will be a sign for you on the houses where you are; and when I see the blood, I will pass over you. No destructive plague will touch you when I strike Egypt.”

This is a dramatic story. God was going to judge Egypt along with its rival gods. He was going to show his power and convince Pharaoh and his people to let God’s people go. But this last plague, horrible as it was, has come to demonstrate what Jesus did for us on the cross. The angel of death passed over all the homes of the Israelites who had put the blood of a lamb on the doorpost. This is just as Jesus has kept us from eternal punishment for our sin through the blood that Jesus shed on the cross. 

You and I, like the Israelites have been “passed over” by God and his judgement when we accept Him as our Lord and Savior. Not because we deserve it. But because the blood of Jesus has paid for our sin and we are free from eternal judgement, just as the Israelites were saved from death on that otherwise very sad night.

Paul says we were bought with a price. It was the death of Christ which paid for our sin. Never take that for granted. It is the best gift you will ever receive in this life and the next. As the great hymn says, Amazing grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost but now am found, was blind but now I see. Twas grace that taught my heart to fear and grace my fears relieved. How precious did that grace appear the hour I first believed. 

Father, I thank you that you chose to bear my punishment for my sin in your body on the cross. Thank you for your shed blood that caused you to pass over me. I am forever grateful. Amen.