The Lord said to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt, “This month is to be the beginning of months for you; it is the first month of your year… They must take some of the blood and put it on the two doorposts and the lintel of the houses where they eat them… The blood on the houses where you are staying will be a distinguishing mark for you; when I see the blood, I will pass over you… This day is to be a memorial for you, and you must celebrate it as a festival to the Lord. You are to celebrate it throughout your generations as a permanent statute.” (Exodus 12:1-2, 7, 13–14, CSB)
The commencement of the new year for the Israelites was rooted in the Passover and their exodus from Egypt. This observance served as a poignant reminder of the plagues and God’s deliverance from captivity, coupled with the Passover, which was now celebrated during the first month of their calendar.
This was the customary manner in which they commenced the new year. Having endured the oppressive rule of Pharaoh, they witnessed the divine intervention of God, leading to their liberation from Egypt. The Passover, an event steeped in profound significance, provided a vivid portrayal of the ultimate sacrifice that would later be fulfilled by Jesus as our Passover lamb.
By selecting a flawless and spotless lamb and applying its blood to the doorposts of dwellings, the Israelites secured the safety of their firstborn. This act encapsulated the essence of the new year, as it provided an opportunity for reflection on God’s deliverance and salvation.
For us, residing beyond the cross, the commencement of a new year presents an equally opportune moment to contemplate the divine work accomplished. We have recently celebrated Christmas, rejoicefully acknowledging the arrival of the Lamb of God into the world. However, we recognize that the narrative transcends the manger, encompassing the crucifixion, the empty tomb, and his ascension to the right hand of his Father.
As we embark on the new year and formulate our resolutions and plans for the future, let us not overlook the profound impact of God’s actions and the salvation that lies in Christ. As our Passover lamb, Jesus’ sacrificial death stands as a testament to the inescapable truth that salvation is attainable only through his blood.
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