Surfing is all fun and games . . . until . . .
I love surfing. The buzz of being out in the ocean, riding the waves and cruising along and on the ocean - it’s amazing!
But the joy of surfing on the water also comes with the cost of paddling out and through relentless waves of energy that are intent on sweeping you back to shore, and duck-diving under heavy, breaking waves that want to smoke you.
There are some sets of waves that are so big that they come through and smash everyone sitting out the back. If you see the waves coming though, you can paddle out deeper and manage to get through the waves before they break - that is a GREAT feeling of relief and joy - the power and energy within that wave goes past . . . whilst everyone else closer to the shore gets pounded . . .
At this time of the year we recognise and celebrate Passover, probably one of the most important events in history and indeed, our spiritual lives.
Originating in Exodus 12, the Passover originated at a time of severe hardship, oppression and testing. The people of God were being hammered and the Lord heard their cry.
He spoke to Moses and said, paraphrasing here, “I’ve seen and I’ve heard - I will deliver you guys. But firstly, I’m going to pass through and I’m going to pass over” (Exodus 12).
As a result, God did 2 key things:
Firstly, He passed through the land of Egypt and delivered judgement on those who did not obey Him
Secondly, He passed over those who were obedient and followed His ways
Like my surfing analogy above, God’s waves of judgement swept through Egypt but those who heard His instructions and were obedient to them, were saved. In effect, God passed THROUGH Egypt with His judgement, and He passed OVER those who were redeemed or excused from judgement.
What was the defining factor that made God pass over some and not others?
Their obedience to His instruction.
Read through Exodus 12 to see what the Lord told the people to do in order to have the judgement pass over them (as opposed to having the judgement passed through and on them). It’s unusual, a little bit strange but they did it.
What was the result of them obeying the Lord?
The Lord’s judgement did not come to their house - it passed over
They were blessed spiritually and physically - in fact, they became rich overnight and plundered the Egyptians without even having to put up a fight
Their future generations were blessed
Right now, this is the time of Passover and I trust that my brief explanation was clear enough to show you why it is called Passover. Next week we will be delving into how Jesus, the ultimate sacrifice, became the complete fulfilment of this season.
But for now . . .
ACTION POINTS
Is there anything that you have been putting off, explaining away, ignoring or simply not been doing that the Lord has told you to do?
DO IT. Fear God. Repent. Obey.
Do not set yourself up for judgement but set yourself up for success - obey what the Lord tells you to do
Is there anything that you have done that was out of obedience to the Lord, even though it may not have made sense?
Way to go! The Lord sees and the Lord knows - He will bring about a rich harvest and reward for all those who diligently seek and obey Him
Call these things to remembrance and remind the Lord because this year is the year of harvest
See y’all next Sunday!