Before the children of Israel left Egypt, the Lord instructed them that they should institute the Passover (Ex. 12:1ff). Naturally, this deliverance from Egyptian bondage and the commemoration of it was an important event in their history. But it also teaches us several lessons about how God would have us approach the New Year.

First, it teaches us that with God we can always Start anew. To mark this new beginning, this was to be the beginning of the year for the children of Israel (Ex. 12:1,2). Even though Israel had been in bondage for hundreds of years (Ex. 12:40; Acts 7:6; Gal. 3:17), they were going to be set free! The lesson for us is that we, even though we may have lived lives of sin, can be set free from that sin and have a new beginning. In Christ we become new creatures and all things become new (II Cor. 5:17). This year we ought to determine within ourselves that we will be new creatures, obeying the Lord and becoming Christians, if we are not, and living our lives as though we are new creatures if we have obeyed the Lord (Col. 3:1ff).

Second, there was an emphasis upon Strengthening the family. The celebration of the Passover centered around the home (12:3). The home has been important since creation when God formed a wife, that is, a help suitable for Adam, out of Adam’s rib (Gen. 2:18-25). It is to this sacred union, wherein one man and one wife become one flesh, that children are entrusted. These children are to be brought up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord (Eph. 6:1-13). This year we ought to make a point of seeking opportunities to teach our children more about God (Deut. 6:4-7).

Third, there must be Sacrifice. The lamb that was to be eaten was to be the best, a lamb without blemish (12:5). We cannot offer to God second best. David said that he would not offer to God that which cost him nothing (II Sam. 24:24). Should we do any less? By inspiration, Paul tells us we should present our bodies a living sacrifice (Rom. 12:1,2). This coming year may we offer to God the very best we can in what ever we do for Him.

Finally, the children of Israel were Sanctified by the blood of the Passover Lamb on their door posts (12:7). This blood served as a token by which the Angel of Death would know to pass over that house and spare it from death (12:13). The Egyptians were not so marked and this resulted in the death of their first-born (11:4,5). In the Christian Dispensation, we also are marked by the blood of the Lamb, the Son of God (Mark 14:24; Rom. 5:9; Heb. 9:18-22). This year may we be sanctified for the service of the Lord (Eph. 5:26; II Tim. 2:21).

Eric L. Padgett