Few heed the warnings of death although many fear death. Pharoah ignored the plagues which demonstrated the power of the living God. Warnings of death are to be heeded, for there is deliverance, a way of escape, for all. The deliverance for the children of Israel is the Passover Lamb, a shadow of Jesus and His finished work. Jesus Christ is our Passover (1 Cor 5:7).

Exodus 12:29-36: Deliverance from death. Initially, Pharoah ignored the warnings. Then as the plagues became more severe, he bargained with God, but he did not repent. Death came to the firstborn at midnight when all were resting.

Today, God warns us about death. God’s judgment will surely come because of sin and man’s disobedience. The children of Israel were delivered because of the Passover. From slaves, they became free men. We too can be changed from slaves of sin to become children of God, when we believe in Jesus Christ.

As the children of God left Egypt, they took with them their flocks and the Egyptians’ jewellery. The Hebrew word for “borrowed” (Exod 12:35) means to request or ask; and “lent” (Exod 12:36) means that the Egyptians acceded to the request of the children of God. This is the Lord’s provision for His children.

Exodus 12:37-42: Provision for a faithful nation. As there were “six hundred thousand” (Exod 12:37) men, it is estimated that the total population then was two million people. Having prepared the people, God had also prepared the Promised Land for them.

When God delivers us, He will also provide for us to be His faithful witnesses. We are not delivered to continue in sin or to be like the world. Easy believism (i.e. believe in Christ without changing our lives) is an unbiblical teaching.

Exodus 12:43-51: Remembrance of deliverance. God instituted the Passover Feast for the children of Israel to remember their deliverance and to consecrate themselves to Him. For us, the Lord has instituted the Lord’s Supper. Before a person can partake of the Lord’s Supper, he must be baptized (which identifies him as a child of God). Partaking of the Lord’s Supper, we remember what Christ has done for us, and that we are His people and are to consecrate ourselves to Him.

Death and judgment will come at a time we may not expect. If you have not believed, do not ignore God’s warning. If you are a child of God, have you been a faithful witness? Remember God’s deliverance, and live for Him.