The 10th Plague - Nov.4-8

So we’re back in the Old Testament again this week with the reading of Exodus. As such, I’m back to talking about areas in the OT that point us to Christ. First of all, a couple quick points on some verses that very clearly connect to Jesus.

You must have an unblemished animal... - Exodus 12:5

The required sacrifice had to be unblemished, Jesus was of course entirely blemish (aka sin) free and so perfectly fit the requirements for a sacrifice acceptable to God.

...and you may not break any of its bones. - Exodus 12:46

Jesus fulfilled this in his crucifixion where none of his bones were broken in spite of that being a regular practice, and we see the gospel of John take special care to specifically mention that fact in connection with this scripture (it’s in Psalms and Numbers as well).

But in this week’s reading the real doozy of a Gospel picture was the final plague on Egypt and the Passover for Israel.

“I will pass through the land of Egypt on that night and strike every firstborn male in the land of Egypt, both people and animals. I am the Lord; I will execute judgments against all the gods of Egypt. The blood on the houses where you are staying will be a distinguishing mark for you; when I see the blood, I will pass over you. No plague will be among you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt.” - Exodus 12:12-13

The whole Passover situation is such an obvious picture of Jesus and what he would accomplish for His church on the cross. Apart from the work of Jesus, we are the Egyptians in this story, all of mankind is facing the final plague of death and eternal separation from God. But God, rich in mercy made a way for His chosen people to be saved from His righteous judgment, the covering of the blood from the sacrificial lamb. In Exodus we see the blood come from a sheep or goat, but the eternal salvation of the Church has been secured by the blood of Jesus Christ so that when we stand before God we too will have our judgment pass over us.

And it’s all God! We see in this story that Israel didn’t do anything to deserve this, it’s not like they pooled all their money together and built a big temple for God, or fed a bunch of orphans somewhere, or stood up against a pagan government. No, God chose them to receive grace and made a way. And what an encouragement that is to see God’s saving power on full display.

Hope you all have a great week!