The historical event of Passover was recently portrayed in the movie, “Gods and Kings.” In typical Hollywood fashion, God was turned into a petulant boy seeking revenge, not justice; Moses into an irreverent skeptic; and the miracles into natural events.
However, the release of the movie at Passover reminds us that God intervened to save his people from oppression, and guide them to freedom.
That first Passover became a rehearsal that Jesus Christ would fulfill 1600 years later, not just for Israel this time, but for all people in the world.
Just as the blood of the Passover lamb protected the Israelites from the judgment of death coming upon Egypt, Jesus died exactly at Passover time, saying, “For God so loved the world, that He gave his only son, that whosoever believes in him, should not perish but have everlasting life.” He was buried, and rose again the third day, announcing that He will return to judge the world in righteousness, after the invitation to trust him has encircled the globe.
So while Hollywood never misses an opportunity to get God wrong, this Easter is our opportunity to get it right. God is not revealed as a petulant boy, but in the face of Jesus Christ. Nor is Jesus about revenge, but righteousness. His miracles are recorded by follower and foe alike as genuine miracles. And he remains today a refuge for the oppressed; the ransom for all who seek forgiveness for their sins; and the redeemer for all who want a world governed in righteousness.
But there is one more Exodus to come. The story is not over. Jesus is about to bring another deliverance that will make Exodus pale in comparison. In the meantime, God invites all people to find eternal safety under the blood of Christ.
