7/15/2020
We continue to follow the predicted trail of redemption through the Old Testament with the Hebrews living in Egypt and working as slaves, about 1,446 years before Christ. God raised up Moses to deliver his people and lead them into the Promised Land. At that time the Egyptians worshipped at least ten gods, none of which were immortal. Also, at that time each nation had their own deities and whose god was the most powerful would defeat that other nation. So, the thought was, is our god bigger than you god, my god can beat up your god?
Well, it came about that the only true God demonstrated His complete power over Egypt’s ten gods with the purpose that the world would know God (YHWH) is the only true God. Each of the ten plagues God brought upon Egypt was directed against their gods. However, the tenth plague was unique and a humdinger. Egyptian Pharaoh’s believed they were god, i.e., divine. Who is more powerful, the God of the Hebrews or the Egyptian Pharaoh? Exodus 11:4-5 Moses said, “This is what the Lord says: ‘About midnight I will go throughout Egypt. Every firstborn son in Egypt will die, from the firstborn son of Pharaoh, who sits on the throne, to the firstborn son of the female slave, who is at her hand mill, and all the firstborn of the cattle as well. Pharaoh was given an ultimatum, let the Hebrews go or there will be the stench of death and wailing throughout Egyptian homes.
The Hebrews would be spared if they followed Moses’ instructions: Exodus 12:3-13 Tell the whole community of Israel that on the tenth day of this month each man is to take a lamb for his family, one for each household. . . The animals you choose must be year-old males without defect, . . . . Take care of them until the fourteenth day of the month, when all the members of the community of Israel must slaughter them at twilight. Then they are to take some of the blood and put it on the sides and tops of the doorframes of the houses where they eat the lambs. . . . Eat it in haste; it is the Lord’s Passover. “On that same night I will pass through Egypt and strike down every firstborn of both people and animals, and I will bring judgment on all the gods of Egypt. I am the Lord. The blood will be a sign for you on the houses where you are, and when I see the blood, I will pass over you. No destructive plague will touch you when I strike Egypt. A spotless or perfect lamb would live with a family for a short time and then the family would kill the lamb without breaking any of its bones. The blood of the lamb would cause the angel of death to Passover those who put their trust and faith in God.
Jesus Christ came and lived among his people for a short time. He was perfect in all He did and His own people killed Him without breaking a bone. He was brutally beaten and nailed to a cross thus shedding His blood for all who will put their faith and trust in Him. It is this blood of the Lamb of God that provides forgiveness and eternal life. The shadowy image of redemption becomes clearer.
Pr. Bob Snitzer
By the Way:
July 19, 9:00 Sunday morning worship. Sermon: How Many Gods?
If you have not returned your CPC baby bottle please do so Sunday. Thank you.
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