This is one of the darkest chapters of the old testament if not the darkest with Israel in the bondage of sin. The typology of the old testament that has been fulfilled and that WE partake of. The carnal element had submitted to this bondage and did not want to be delivered. Now in particular, Moses must institute the Passover feast. One that continues through the ages and that we by faith also take hold of in the promise of forgiveness and freedom in Christ!

Why: Moses had tried to rally Israel's faith in the past and now God visits Moses in the burning bush that is not consumed. (Note that Israel is pictured even here as they themselves are not consumed.) And Moses is sent to proclaim "Let my people go!" The very promises of God were at stake. God tells Moses to do this by means of the Passover feast that was later to be turning to the Lord's Supper by Christ. It encapsulates the whole of the Gospel!

1. It speaks that God justifies His people when they cannot or even desire to be! He was the Righteous One without "spot or blemish!" They were to strike the blood of the slain where they abode and under the blood of Christ death cannot touch us! Even though death was across the land and God revealed His wrath upon the unrighteous.

2. He set His love upon Israel who was just as despicable as the unrighteous.

3. He imputed God's righteousness to them and unto us as if we had not committed a single sin with and by the PERFECT Sacrifice! He passes on His good pleasure to His people! Justification from bondmen who have been delivered from bondage not only, but brought to and into the land of promise after being delivered! By faith Moses and the people took hold of the Gospel of Grace.....THE GOSPEL!

How: Not just empty ceremonies but matters of faith. Moses was to lead Israel out of bondage without an army, force, weapons, etc. Only by FAITH! Hope against hope which is the Gospel! The Egyptians probably laughed at them when they struck blood on their door posts, but God's promises were and are REAL! Not only for Israel but for us also! It is faith..the very hand and mouth of the soul! No different for us than Moses with nothing to take hold of or see or prove to others. No evidence, but it always has to do with faith! The world scoffed at Moses and Israel and us, but it is sure! We do well to tell our children as well about our deliverance, God's great power and glory and who by His grace delivered me from the bondage of sin and made it so that I am free. Tell them that is why you drag them to church each and every Sunday that they too may taste of it with you!

Result: Faith takes hold of it. It is foolishness to men BUT the power of God unto salvation and we preach it! We are passed by the angel of death that should strike us dead and we also take hold of the glory of Heaven by faith amidst the shadow of death. We eat and drink of Christ and share in His blessings. We essentially already share GLORY with Him! How?