I’ve pondered this since Wednesday, but I’m finally writing it. I’ve been reading in Exodus and on Wednesday I read chapter 12. God is laying down the law for the Passover and explaining who is allowed to partake. The chapter also explains the 10th plague and the results – “and they spoiled the Egyptians” (verse 36). The Egyptians saw what God could do – how He can be an angry God for those who do not follow Him. But they also saw His mercy on the people of Israel. I believe that many of the Egyptians turned to God at this time. Why? In verse 38 it states “and a mixed mutlitude went up also with them”.
But the part I like best is the fact that God outlines right in the same chapter how a “stranger” can also partake of the goodness of God and the Passover (verse 48).
48) And when a stranger shall sojourn with thee, and will keep the passover to the LORD, let all his males be circumcised, and then let him come near and keep it; and he shall be as one that is born in the land: for no uncircumcised person shall eat thereof.
49) One law shall be to him that is homeborn, and unto the stranger that sojourneth among you.
But what really got me thinking of this is the prayer of one of the men at church before service on Wednesday. He prayed that he was thankful for salvation because he does not want to fall into the hands of an angry God. The Egyptians saw first-hand the angry God when He sent the plagues. But they were also able to see mercy in the freeing of the Israelites.
I’m glad that our “circumcision” today is actually a “circumcision of the heart” (Romans 2) and that we can be counted as children of God just by following Jesus. Because as was prayed on Wednesday – I do not want to be caught in the hands of an angry God. I want to be able to recieve His blessings as the Israelites did when they were brought out of Egypt.
Hi Shelly, your comments were very insightful and it just so happened that I was reading this morning about a similar thing, let me explain:
Israels final act before setting out on the journey to Canaan was to celebrate the Passover. This annual festival of freedom recalled Gods mighty acts in winning freedom for His people. It served to remind Israel of redemption from Egypt, for redemption had laid the foundation of Israels existence. Redemption was each individuals charter deed to personal relationship with the Lord.
Now check out this next part!
Even ceremonial uncleanness did not prevent a person from celebrating Passover. In fact, the ceremonially unclean were commanded to keep Passover. Why? Because personal relationship with God depends on the experience of salvation, not on living the good life… I am not at all saying that Christians should not obey, but our salvation does not depend upon my good works…
But notice what follows this ceremonial reaffirmation of Israels salvation. The writer of Numbers looks ahead and sums up the daily experience of Israel on pilgrimage. Whenever the cloud [which indicated the visible presence of God with His people] lifted from above the tent, the Israelites set out; whenever the cloud settled, the Israelites encamped (v. 17). A redeemed people can to look to the Lord for daily guidance.
Its the same for us today. Conversion is the beginning of our pilgrimage, not the end.
I thank God for His mercy and that I am in the hands of a loving God.
Ronnie