Read Numbers 8
Highlights:
How much time has passed since the Exodus (Num. 9:1)? Celebration of the second Passover. It was vital to remember the One who freed them from slavery. The cloud of protection by day and the pillar of fire by night.
The Passover was a memorial of the historic deliverance from hopeless slavery in Egypt (Ex. 12:41-42). In the first month of the second year after they were come out of the land of Egypt. . . . they kept the Passover . . . according to all that the Lord commanded Moses (Num. 9:1,5).
The Israelites' only hope of deliverance from Egypt was to take . . . a lamb. . . . And take of the blood, and strike it on the two side posts and on the upper door post. . . . And they shall eat the flesh. . . . And . . . let nothing of it remain. . . . and ye shall eat it in haste: it is the Lord's Passover. . . . and when I see the blood (on your doorposts), I will pass over you. . . . And . . . at midnight the Lord smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt (Ex. 12:3,7-8,10-11,13,29). God protected Israel from the destroyer (12:23) and the passover lamb satisfied and strengthened the family as they left Egypt. The Lord commanded that there be nothing left of the Passover meal (12:10; Num. 9:12). The Passover meal was not meant for those who would settle down in Egypt. It provided strength for the journey to the promised land. Today the believer's daily strength is obedience to the Word of God — ALL OF IT. Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God (Matt. 4:4).
Egyptian slavery would have kept Israel in bondage until physical death. This illustrates how sin keeps men and women in bondage (Rev. 20:15). Since Christ died for us and delivered us from eternal death, He must be received as our Savior and Lord. Jesus warns eight times that the destiny of the lost is eternal hell (Matt.10:28; 11:23; 18:9; 23:15,33; Mark 9:43; Luke 12:5; 16:22-23). Jesus also let us know that hell was much more than separation from God. Six times He states that it is a place of outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth (Matt. 8:12; 13:42,50; 22:13; 24:51; 25:30).
Ye were not redeemed with corruptible things . . . But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a Lamb without blemish and without spot (I Pet. 1:18-19).
Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them (Eph. 5:11).
Thought for Today:
Without shedding of blood is no remission (Heb. 9:22; see also Lev. 17:11).
Christ Revealed:
The Passover serves as a beautiful illustration of the redemption Christ accomplished at Calvary as the Lamb of God (Num. 9:2; compare John 1:29; I Cor. 5:7).
Word Studies:
8:2 over against in front of; 8:11 execute perform; 8:18 for instead of; 8:26 keep the charge assist in the duties; 9:13 forbeareth neglects.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Radio Broadcasts in honor of Linda Kennon • Staff: Benjamin Wallace • Country: Thailand (60 million) in Southeast Asia • Major languages: Thai and English • Limited freedom of Christian ministry; Buddhism is the state religion • 92% Buddhist; 4% Muslim; 2% Chinese folk-religionist; 1% Christian • Prayer Suggestion: If the words of God abide in you, whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive (John 15:7).
Optional Reading: Luke 3
Memory Verse for the Week: Exodus 20:4
