Advent DevotionalSample

The Story of Moses

In the book of Exodus, Egypt has been thrown into chaos by nine devastating plagues. These plagues are not random misfortunes; they are God’s judgment on Egypt for enslaving the Israelites. However, before Israel can be freed, one final plague is coming in which God will strike down every firstborn son. Unlike the previous plagues, this one will target everyone in Egypt, including the Israelites, unless God provides a way of escape.

This is the story of Passover where we learn that God is holy and just in His judgment, yet merciful in His rescuing provision. In the face of the final plague, God provides a substitute for Israel in a perfect, unblemished lamb. The Israelites are instructed to sacrifice their lambs on the night the firstborn will be struck down. They must apply its blood to their doorposts and, when God sees the blood, He will pass over their homes. This act demonstrates that Israel is spared not because of their own righteousness but because an unblemished lamb died in their place.

You might be wondering: how does the story of Passover relate to Advent?

The message of Passover is salvation through substitution, foreshadowing the crucifixion of Jesus in the New Testament. The birth of Jesus set in motion God’s plan of redemption in which He provided a perfect and unblemished lamb whose blood could cover all sins. In other words, Jesus is our Passover lamb. His birth, death, and resurrection point not to our righteousness, but to the One who died in our place.

Reflect

What was your moment of salvation like? Have you trusted in Jesus for your salvation and the forgiveness of your sins? If not, what questions do you have?

Prayer

Father, thank you for loving us so much that you provided your one and only Son for the forgiveness of our sins. You sent Jesus, an unblemished and perfect lamb, to take away the sins of the world, so that we might share in everlasting life with you. We are grateful for your character, for you are a holy and just and merciful and rescuing God. Help us to remember your rescuing hand today. Amen.