And thus shall ye eat it; with your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and ye shall eat it in haste: it is the LORD’S passover. Exodus 12:11
What a night that was! As the entire nation of Egypt wailed over the slaughter of their firstborn, the entire company of Israelites rejoiced at their safety from the wrath of the death angel and at their preparations to march out to freedom. With emotions running on maximum, they attacked the roast lamb with an eager appetite and a joyful anticipation. Their preparations to depart remind us of our preparations to go forth as God’s people today.
The girded loins remind us that we are to be girded with truth (Ephesians 6:14). Normally the Israelites’ clothing was loose and flowing, but when work was being done, they girded it up tightly to prevent it from hindering their efforts. Are we ready to work for our Lord?
Normally the Israelites were barefoot, but they wore shoes for travelling. So do we, if we are ready to go at our Lord’s bidding. Ephesians 6:15 reminds us that we are to be shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace. As the Lord Jesus told His disciples when He gave them His great commission, we are to put the GO in the GOspel. Are we ready to take the Gospel to the world?
Those with a staff in their hand were travellers and not settlers. Like the patriarchs who dwelt in tabernacles (tents) rather than houses, we ought to recognize that we are sojourners in a stranger’s land, awaiting our real home above. Are we ready to let go of this world to be ambassadors for Christ?
For something that happened so long ago, the Passover preparations have valuable lessons for us today. -Jim MacIntosh
Here is the link to the video of this message: https://youtu.be/Iy4cZpVtI2M