Exodus 12

And the LORD spoke unto Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt, saying, This month shall be unto you the beginning of months: it shall be the first month of the year to you.
(Exo 12:1-2)

And it came to pass the selfsame day, that the LORD did bring the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt by their armies.
(Exo 12:51)


New Beginnings… There is really nothing quite like them! This was to mark a new beginning for the nation of Israel. 430 years they had spent in Egypt, 430 years waiting for the promise of REDEMPTION. They so looked forward to the day when they would be freed, and that day had come!

Redemption and a fresh start always go hand in hand. When we accept the offer of salvation, and are “bought back” by God, our former life is erased and we are given a fresh start. In this chapter we see a fresh start for an entire nation! This event literally changed the calendar, because from this point forward everything would be different. They were about to set out on a journey that would end with them residing in the land they had been promised!

The day we were bought back from this world is just as remarkable, and it changed the course of HUMAN HISTORY. When Jesus died and rose again, He gave EVERY MAN a fresh start, a new beginning. Just like the children of Israel, this new beginning isn’t just the close of one chapter in our lives, but the beginning of a new one. Our redemption isn’t the end all of the Christian life, it is just the beginning! When we receive Jesus, we begin a life-long journey to the Promised Land, just like the Israelites did. They didn’t go it alone, God provided for their every need! Led by a cloud by day, and fire by night… fed with quail and manna… water that came pouring out of a rock… enemies buried at the bottom of the sea… Shoes and clothes that never wore out!

Just like God covered ALL of the Israelites needs on their journey, He likewise covers ours as we walk the straight and narrow path. He leads us every step of the way, provides for our needs, and protects us from the enemy! In many ways we are JUST LIKE the children of Israel during the Exodus.

As we read through the rest of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy; let’s put ourselves in the shoes of the Israelites, and learn from them just what this Christian life is all about. We can follow them in their triumphs, avoid their mistakes, and grow with them in faith. WELCOME TO THE JOURNEY TO THE PROMISED LAND, ENJOY THE RIDE!