Redemption By Blood And By Power

by R. Ross, Hartlepool | Category: From Egypt To Canaan | Feb 1969

In the shadow of the mountain of God, even Horeb, it was made known to Moses, the divinely appointed leader of Israel, what God's purpose was touching that people who at the time were groaning under the tyranny of Pharaoh. The words of the LORD were, "Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth My people the children of Israel out of Egypt." Furthermore, Jehovah said, " ... when thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt, ye shall serve God upon this mountain" (Exodus 3.10,12.) Deliverance from the power of Egypt must precede service to God.

In the divine view the emancipation of the children of Israel was an accomplished fact, and Moses may well have viewed with a measure of trepidation the tremendous task allotted to him as their prospective leader.

The long period of affliction for Israel in Egypt (Genesis 15.13) was drawing to a close. The day was approaching when their grief would be turned to joy. Moses, the meekest man in all the earth, was soon to lead them out by divine power. Although Moses was reluctant to undertake full responsibility in leadership at first, and was later joined by Aaron, it is clear that he played a leading role in the mediation on behalf of Israel in the presence of Pharaoh. In their initial encounter with that haughty monarch Moses and Aaron enunciated God's will for Israel, "Let My people go" (Exodus 5.1). This was the first time Pharaoh had been challenged as to his ownership of Israel. The God of Israel claimed this people as His. Pharaoh's ignorance of God's existence in no way invalidated the divine command.

From that day forward the battle was joined. Alerted by this thrust at his authority Pharaoh planned to restore his prestige and to exert his power. He made unjust demands upon the officers of Israel regarding the labours of his slaves, and hastened to meet out merciless punishment if targets were not reached. This increased persecution of Israel led to their scattering throughout the land of Egypt. (Exodus 5.12).

In the midst of their sorrows Moses spoke to them these words of comfort and consolation from God, "I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will rid you out of their bondage, and I will redeem you with a stretched out arm, and with great judgements" (Exodus 6.6). Glowing words of glorious promise! But the people "hearkened not unto Moses for anguish of spirit (Hebrew-shortness of spirit R.V.M.), and for cruel bondage" (Exodus 6.9).

Surely God desires the faith of His people in His word to rise above their circumstances! (See 1 Peter 1.6,7). The tide of events was soon to change for Israel. Divine judgement in the form of plagues was to descend upon the Egyptians because of Pharaoh's attitude, culminating in the death of Egypt's firstborn. Concerning this final judgement, Moses in hot anger warned Pharaoh (Exodus 11.4-8).

Jehovah put a difference between the Egyptians and Israel. The great plan of redemption from the judgement of God was revealed to them by God through their leaders, Moses and Aaron. The lives of their firstborn must be protected by the blood of the lamb. As they listened to the instructions regarding the paschal sacrifice, no doubt Israel's joy was mingled with sadness; joy at the thought of protection and liberation, sadness at the thought of the lamb slain. Every household was involved; some households combined according to their eating. A choice lamb was taken, either from the sheep or from the goats. This choice of sacrifice may indicate the ease with which salvation was brought within the reach of Israel's firstborn. The Hebrew word translated "without blemish" (Exodus 12.5) is elsewhere rendered, "perfect, sound, undefiled, without spot" (see Numbers 19.2). This was the divine standard.

The lamb was slain at even on the 14th day of Abib; indicating a new beginning for Israel, the first month of the new year. The blood was shed; but the value of the sacrifice lay in the application with hyssop of the blood to the side-posts and lintels of the doors. Hyssop may speak of faith, belief which is generated by the word of God reaching the heart of those under condemnation. The firstborn of Israel would still have died if the word of God had not been fully obeyed, for the promise of exemption from judgement was ... "when I see the blood. I will pass over you".

The efficacy of the sacrifice was acknowledged by all in Israel who truly realised their need. It was a night to be much remembered. The firstborn both of man and beast of the Egyptians was slain. God's wrath was also directed against the gods of Egypt; their evil workings were summarily dealt with. Not only was Israel redeemed from the judgement of God by the blood of the lamb but the mighty Arm of the LORD was also revealed when He delivered His people. who were seemingly doomed for ever to slavery, from the hand of the oppressor. The power of Egypt was broken!

That night Israel feasted upon the roast Iamb, with loins girded and staff in hand. The sacrifice which protected them from judgement also fed and sustained them. They marched out. about 600,000 men on foot, beside children, with flocks and herds also, not a hoof was left behind. The severance from Egypt was complete. Israel went forth, bedecked in fresh raiment, with jewels of silver and jewels of gold adorning them (Exodus 12.35). The rags of their slavery they left behind for ever. A glorious emancipation!

In reference to Israel's redemption the believer today can rejoice and sing:

"And we have known redemption, Lord,

From bondage worse than theirs by far;

Sin held us by a stronger cord,

Yet by Thy mercy free we are."

Egypt is a type of the world in its organized rebellion against God. Pharaoh, the chief promoter of resistance towards the claims of God in Egypt, we suggest is a type of the evil one, our adversary the devil. In Scripture sinners are viewed as being completely dominated by Satan, under his authority, held captive by the power of darkness, children of wrath by nature and sons of disobedience by practice (Ephesians 2.2-4; Colossians 2.13). The work of Christ in redemption secures for the sinner deliverance from this fearful slavery. The apostle wrote to the Corinthians, "For our passover also hath been sacrificed, even Christ" (1 Corinthians 5.7). The lamb of the first passover foreshadowed the great Sacrifice whose life would be given as the price of our redemption.

Believers have been purchased as it were from the world's slave-market: "Christ redeemed us" (Galatians 3.13). The word "redeemed" here gives the thought of buying out (a slave) with a view to liberation, a granting of freedom without the liability of being exposed to re-purchase. For the believer, the dominion of Satan has been annulled. The apostle Peter in a parallel testimony writes, "Knowing that ye were redeemed ... with precious blood, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot, even the blood of Christ" (1 Peter 1.18-19). Christ fulfilled the divine requirements of the ransom price; He was without sin, without blemish in His life as observed by men, without spot inwardly as daily He was surveyed by His God (1 Peter 2.22).

For what purpose then has the believer been redeemed from divine judgement and delivered from the power of the adversary? As in the case of Israel who were redeemed that they might serve Jehovah, so it is today. Thus Peter writes, "Ye also ... are built up a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God through Jesus Christ" (1 Peter 2.5). This is the manner of the service required from God's people today.

Self-will holds many believers in bondage today. If self-will is allowed to predominate in our spiritual experience then it could lead to a rejection of the will of God for His people, in His house today. Christ has redeemed us that we might be delivered from such an unfaithful experience (Titus 2.14).

R. Ross, Hartlepool | Feb 1969
From Egypt To Canaan