Evangelicals have long had an uneasy relationship with ritual. The Edwardian injunctions of 1547, during the English Reformation, sought to remove such “papalistic superstitions” from parish churches as relics, candles, iconography, sacramentals, and rood screens. The Protestants, with much justification, saw the various symbols and rituals as the objects of veneration rather than a means of adoration (of Christ), and so they had to go. Yet we remain, even as North American, “low church” evangelicals, people of our own habits and rituals; and God himself frequently revealed himself, his attributes, and his work through the rites and rituals we see in the Old Testament – perhaps especially in the Passover. As you read and consider the first Passover story, what do we learn about God and his work toward and in us? Below are a few key themes.
1) Substitutionary Atonement
We already saw the theme of atonement yesterday through the shedding and application of the blood. Critically, this blood came not from the guilty party, but an innocent animal. Thus an Israelite would identify with the death of an innocent offered in exchange for him – a substitutionary atonement.
2) Liberation
To this day the Passover meal is sometimes referred to as a celebration of liberation. Israel recognized God’s gracious deliverance from 400 years of Egyptian slavery.
3) Abiding
After applying the blood each was instructed not to, “go out of the door of his house until morning. (v23)” This reminded Israel that safe refuge is found by abiding in God: “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. (Ps 91:1)”
4) Hope
A proper Passover meal includes many allusions to their messianic hope. One example is the “Cup of Elijah” placed on every table, the one who one day will herald the advent of the Messiah. The Passover was called a “night of watching … kept to the Lord by all the people of Israel throughout their generations(v42).” They were called to look back in remembrance to the Lord’s deliverance, but also forward in hope to their coming Messiah.
Many other themes and images may be found in this story, some of which we will reflect on as we consider Christ connections and applications for us over the next two days!
Many other themes and images may be found in this story, some of which we will reflect on as we consider Christ connections and applications for us over the next two days!