Start with the Covenant of the Passover (Exodus 12:21–27) 1/5/2025
Start with the Covenant of the Passover (Exodus 12:21–27) 1/5/2025
Starting the year, the world is filled with news of terror and calamities. How should we begin the new year in such a world? In today’s Scripture, God told the Israelites to begin with an important covenant. That is the covenant of the Passover.
Although the modern Jewish calendar differs from ours, they call the first day of the year “Rosh Hashanah.” They begin the year with the remembrance of the Creator and Judge, seeking forgiveness for past wrongdoings. They blow trumpets (Feast of Trumpets), as they strive to do good deeds.
In the Bible, the new year actually begins in the month of Nisan, and on the 14th day of that month, they celebrated the Passover festival as written in today’s Scripture.
Observing the Passover signifies that salvation comes only through the blood of the Lamb, symbolizing Christ. Today, Jews have lost the covenant within this tradition. This is one of the reasons for endless wars and disasters. Within the covenant of the Passover lies the blessing and answers that God’s redeemed people can enjoy not only on earth but also eternally.
- We must hold on to the covenant of true liberation.
1) The covenant of the Passover began during the Israelites’ 400 years of slavery in Egypt.
① During Joseph’s time, the Israelites enjoyed the highest honor and happiness in Egypt.
Joseph was the prime minister of Egypt. His leadership saved not only Egypt but also neighboring nations.
② Similarly, Adam and Eve were created to live within such blessings, but they lost it all.
The 400 years of slavery for Israel was allowed to show what mankind has lost.
2) It started in Genesis 3. Through Adam’s sin, three curses came upon all humanity (Romans 5:12).
① The curse of original sin. Sinful nature pervaded all humanity, leading to endless depravity (Romans 3:10).
② The curse of Satan. The being who deceived humans into sin continues to dominate lives and the world (John 8:44, John 14:30).
③ The eternal curse. Humans cannot escape sinful nature of the original sin and the authority of Satan. Problems, suffering, and curses repeat across generations (destiny). After death, they follow Satan to eternal judgment (Matthew 25:41).
3) God opened the way to escape that and allowed a new beginning. This is the blessing of the Passover. When they killed the lamb and applied its blood on their doorposts, all curses ended, and a new start was granted. This is the salvation of Christ.
① On the day they applied the lamb’s blood, God’s judgment struck Egypt’s firstborns (Christ’s office of King). Their necks were broken. This foreshadowed Satan’s defeat through the death of Christ on the cross (Genesis 3:15). When Satan believed he had won by crucifying Christ, the resurrection completely crushed him (1 Corinthians 15:55–57).
② On that day, God’s judgment passed over the Israelites (Christ’s office of Priest). It wasn’t because they were purer than the Egyptians or favored more. It is because they held on to the blood covenant (Exodus 12:13). God sent His Son to be the eternal atoning sacrifice (Hebrews 9:12, Hebrews 9:15).
③ Holding on to the covenant of Christ and following it with one heart, whole heart, and continuation will lead to God’s guidance (Christ’s office of Prophet). Do not love the world (1 John 2:10). Do not look at circumstances (Colossians 3:1). Do not rely on people (Hebrews 12:1). Then, we will be revived. This year will be the best year, bringing blessings to your children, family, church, and eternal future.
- We must hold on to the covenant of the eternal family.
During the new beginning, the lamb was killed, its blood applied, and the family ate its meat together (origin of Holy Communion).
1) By consuming in Christ’s blood and his torn-up body, we became God’s eternal family (Ephesians 2:19). In both Chinese and Korean, “family” (식구/食口) means “those who eat together” (Revelation 3:20). The Jewish emphasis on family meals stems from this, bridging generational and cultural gaps.
2) From this, embrace God’s absolute plan for multicultural ministry and 237 ministry (the Courtyard of the Gentiles). All humanity shares the same origin in Adam. We were one from the beginning. But as a result of Adam and Eve’s corruption and endless human greed, we were scattered after Babel and led to stealing, killing, and wars. Christ is the only way to solve conflicts in America and all around the world (Ephesians 2:17–18). Only the gospel can unite everything. Because others are different from you, they are special, and you have opportunities to help. We must resolve all relationships in Christ.
3) Future generations (in family, church, and field) are entrusted to us by God (the Courtyard of Children) The Jews were exceptional in this way. Wherever Jews went, they built synagogues to nurture the next generation. This is why focus on educating the next generation. We must relay the accurate covenant. We must ensure they hold on to the eternal blood covenant (24). Teach that salvation through the blood is the only way of salvation for them, their families, and their homes (27). On this foundation, true love, consideration, and dedication will arise.
- We must hold on to eternal victory as God’s army.
As /Israel began a new beginning and left Egypt, they were called the army of the Lord (41).
1) We can no longer live oppressed by sin, the world, or Satan. Win the battle within yourself. Let God’s kingdom be established first in your heart (Matthew 12:28, Luke 17:21).
2) Pray for God’s kingdom to come upon where you are. Pray to bind the forces of darkness where you are and for God’s blessings to manifest in your work (Genesis 39:5). Above all, pray for non-believers to meet God, for evangelism movement to arise, and for the healing of the afflicted (Acts 8:4–8). Many suffer from hidden issues like depression, anxiety, anger, or addiction. Let them know that Christ is the solution for the spiritual problem behind all of that. Quietly and consistently break down the forces of darkness.
3) Never forget that God has made you a prayer watchman and spiritual soldier for your family, field, and church. One remnant’s prayer can save a family, family line, and even parents. Those who know the mystery of Christ and fight spiritual battles are the true summit and spiritual summit that will save the world. Joseph didn’t become the summit by working hard. He enjoyed God’s presence in every moment (Genesis 39:2–3). David didn’t become a summit because of his musical talent. When he praised, the Holy Spirit worked and darkness crumbled (1 Samuel 16:23). Daniel didn’t become a summit because he was intelligent. He lived in prayer, even during crises (Daniel 6:10 “just as he had done before”).
Conclusion – The Israelites did just what the Lord commanded Moses and Aaron (28). Believe, and action brings completion.
1.5.25 Start with the Covenant of the Passover – Copy