The celebration of Easter, better known as Passover, remains history’s most powerful story of redemption. The Hebrew people, after 350 years of cruel bondage in Egypt, were rescued by God’s 10 miraculous judgments.
The night of the final judgment, God told the Israelites to slay a spotless lamb and apply its blood to the door-posts and lintels of their homes. That night, death itself would descend upon every city, but those houses with the blood would be exempt. God said, “When I see the blood I will pass over you.” True to his word, not one death was recorded among the Israelites.
Fifteen hundred years later, Jesus Christ walked onto the public scene of earth, introduced with this shout, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” This redemption was no longer solely for Israel, but for the world. So precious was this Lamb that the Heavenly Father said, “It is too small a thing that you should only raise up the tribes of Israel; I will also give you for a light to the Gentiles, that you may be my salvation to the ends of the earth.” (Isaiah 49:6)
On a cruel Roman cross the Son of God willingly suffered and died to redeem us from the penalty and power of our sins. Securing our ransom, He purchased eternal redemption for every person. But just like the first Passover, the blood must be applied. It is not enough to merely believe that Jesus lived, died and rose again; we must receive Him as our personal Lamb and Lord.
What is the good news of Passover? “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus.” And being now justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath to come.” Truly, the offer of salvation has gone to the ends of the earth – and we are eternally loved and safe in Jesus.
Happy Easter.
