The 11th chapter of the book of Hebrews is
commonly known as the "Faith" chapter because it is rich in lessons on
faith. This ongoing series, "Faith", takes a close look at the lessons
we can learn from this chapter. For previous lessons on Faith, go to www.sermonillustrator.org/minisermons/folder4/Faith%20--%20A%20Miniseries.htm
Faith, Lesson 17
By Faith Moses . . . Cont.
In last week's lesson on faith from the Hebrews 11:24-27, we learned that
when we are within God's will, it doesn't matter what bad things happen to us on
this earth, because we can trust that God will provide us with an ultimate
Heavenly reward. Now let's go on to Heb. 11:28 for another lesson in faith from
Moses:
"Through faith he kept the Passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest
he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them." (Heb. 11:28 NIV)
The story takes us again to Exodus. Israel is in deep oppression in the land of
Egypt. The Egyptians have just suffered nine plagues that have destroyed their
crops, their livestock and even their very lives. And now, God speaks again to
Moses: "On that same night I will pass through Egypt and strike down
every firstborn - both men and animals - and I will bring judgment on all the
gods of Egypt. I am the LORD." (Ex. 12:12)
But in His grace, God provides a way out: "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 . . . Take care of them until the fourteenth day
of the month, when all the people 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 . . . 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." (Ex 12:3, 5-7, 13 NIV)
Did you ever wonder what it must have been like, there in Egypt, the night of
the Passover? Have you ever tried to put yourselves into the shoes of the
Israelites? Up until this point in time, you have seen numerous signs and
wonders. You've seen water turn to blood. You've seen boils come and go. You've
seen crops destroyed, first by locust, then by hail. You've seen frogs and gnats
and flies. And other than the first three plagues, none of these have touched
you. You have had nothing to worry about because you are an Israelite and you
live in the land of Goshen where the plagues mysteriously do not have any
effect!
But now, instead of simply sitting back and enjoying the obvious protection that
comes from being an Israelite, you actually have to DO something. You have to -
what was it again??? Take a lamb into your home? For how many days? But the kids
will have fallen in love with it before the end of day one! Then you have to
take it from them and - and kill it? And spread its blood on your doorposts with
hyssop?
My response might have been something like this: "Okay Moses, you've gone a
bit too far this time! I mean, I'm gonna look pretty silly out there spreading
blood on my doorposts! And what about my kids? They're gonna be really upset at
me! I don't want my first-born son to die, but come on! Why can't we just enjoy
the protection of being an Israelite like we did for the last few plagues? Why
do we have to do something silly, something painful, something ridiculous?"
Fortunately for them, the Israelites weren't quite as stubborn as I might have
been. They did what Moses asked of them, and sure enough, the angel of death
descended upon Egypt. The first born of all animals and people were struck down,
all except for those who had the blood over the doorposts of their home.
In their obedience, the people of Israel provided a beautiful illustration of
Salvation, one that would, through the ages, help thousands of people understand
the power of the Blood of the real Passover Lamb, Jesus Christ. At the time of
the last judgment, only those covered by the blood of Jesus, the REAL Passover
Lamb, will be allowed entrance into Heaven (see Rom 14:10-12). Those who have
not allowed the blood of Jesus to cover their sin will not.
Sometimes what God tells us to do doesn't make much sense to us. Sometimes it
seems down right crazy. But God says: "my thoughts are not your
thoughts, neither are your ways my ways." (Isa 55:8). The Apostle Paul
gives us further insight: "Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and
knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing
out! Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor? Who has
ever given to God, that God should repay him? For from him and through him and
to him are all things. To him be the glory forever!" (Rom. 11:33-36).
Friends, our job is not to argue or to ask for explanations. Our job is to
follow Israel's example: To obey in faith, ever trusting that God will use our
obedience and our faith to make "everything beautiful in its time."
(Eccl. 3:11)
Enough to ponder, friends. But do ponder this: True faith in God requires that
we obey, immediately, even if the command seems silly or senseless. It requires
that we do unheard of things without question, ever trusting that God is using
our seemingly crazy actions as part of some great plan.
Join us next week for the next lesson in Faith to be learned from the children
of Israel.
God bless you!
Lyn
Lyn Chaffart, Author, Moderator, the Nugget, Scriptural Nuggets, www.sermonillustrator.org/minisermons/
, Answers2Prayer Ministries, www.Answers2Prayer.org
.