Northview Blog Passover and the Cross: Prophesy Realized April 8, 2020 In Exodus Chapters 11-12, the reason for Passover is explained, and it is a foretelling of the meaning of Christ’s blood on the cross. Pharaoh was told that if the Israelites were not released immediately, the firstborn in all the land of Egypt would be killed. Wailing and gnashing and uncontrollable grief will be as never before or will be again, said the Lord. The Israelites were given instructions on how they could avoid this mass slaughter. In order for God to “pass over” their homes and families, the Israelites were to slaughter a lamb and paint its blood on the outside door casing, indicating the people inside the dwelling were to be spared.“On that same night I will pass through Egypt and strike down every firstborn of both people and animals, and I will bring judgement on all the gods of Egypt. I am the Lord. The blood will be a sign for you on the houses where you are, and when I see the blood, I will pass over you. No destructive plague will touch you when I strike Egypt.” (Exodus 12:12-13, NIV)This was also a prophesy of how God intended to save mankind from the ravages of sin. A lamb will be sacrificed: “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29, NIV) Christ’s blood given in sacrifice for our sins is the atonement needed for us to be made righteous in the eyes of God. If we have repented of our sins, and have accepted Jesus into our hearts, we are promised everlasting life with Him. When we are filled with the Holy Spirit of God, God’s judgement for our sins will be passed over. The blood of the Lamb in the Old Testament is the same blood of the Lamb in the New Testament.Father God, thank You for Jesus work on the cross, and the gift of grace You have extended to us. As we approach Easter weekend, please keep our eyes on You, rather than the troubles that surround us. You are our strength, our fortress, our all. The risen Christ is our Savior and our Lord. Amen. by Bill Tipps Spiritual Growth Self