Read Numbers 9:1-14
This is a great reading giving us all sorts of insight to a ritual that has become a staple for Jewish believers today all the way from this second Passover being celebrated. God never wants us to forget how he moved so obviously and intentionally among his people.
Can you imagine having witnessed the end of the plagues in Egypt with the angel of death passing through town taking each first born, even among the livestock. But the LORD passed over his precious children who painted their doorways with blood and nobody died, they all escaped into safety.
The first Passover. It’s not surprising God would want his people to remember. So as the first anniversary of the Passover was approaching, God spoke these words to Moses. “Tell the Israelites to celebrate the Passover at the prescribed time, at twilight on the fourteenth day of the first month. Be sure to follow all my decrees and regulations concerning this celebration.”
God had a particular agenda in mind in addition to the date on the calendar. I’m sure there have also been pockets of faithful Israelites who have kept this tradition alive over the years. Certainly the time in captivity would have been more difficult. And, leading up to the captivity being faithful would not have been “popular.”
I was impressed that the thoroughness of God shone through again in making a way for those “incapacitated” and unavailable, though willing, to partake in the remembrance a month later. Not surprised that they would be a consequence for those who were able but didn’t celebrate. Good to focus on providing a solution for those wishing they were available.
Rather than just suppose on the appropriate action, Moses went to God to find out how to provide for those who missed the Passover. We can do the same when we’re not sure about an answer. I’m not sure if God will speak to us like he did Moses, but why not expect the answer just the same.
What I liked was that foreigners were welcome. This is an Old Testament text that speaks of foreigners. Would that mean Gentiles, too? If so, this open arms approach screams of Jesus in the New Testament. Jesus came to seek and save the lost, the broken, the forgotten as well as everyone else.
Being a “foreigner” is a positive thing for me, living as an American citizen and Mexican permanent resident. It gives me a whole different perspective for what it means to be a foreigner. I could also say that I’m just visiting here on this planet while my real home with Jesus in eternity one day. This world is not my true home. That’s mind blowing sometimes. I certainly want to do good things and draw closer to Jesus, to home, while I’m here on this planet. Each day is a gift.
I think the line that really zinged out for me was the first part of verse 12. “They must not leave any of the lamb until the next morning, and they must not break any of its bones.” I couldn’t help but think of the Lamb of God, Jesus. When we think of Jesus’ brutal death, we do remember that not a bone was broken in his precious body.
John 19:36 says this about Jesus’ crucifixion, “These things happened in fulfillment of the Scriptures that say, “Not one of his bones will be broken.” John is quoting Psalm 34:20 which says it like this, “For the Lord protects the bones of the righteous; not one of them is broken!”
Have you ever thought about the Passover during Communion? Has your pastor ever woven the story of the Last Supper and the Passover into a beautiful blend of history and tradition? Imagine the Passover feast was the meal Jesus ate on his very last night before he changed the world forever with his death and resurrection.
“By the death of Christ the Passover is taken up into the Lord’s Supper.” That’s a quote from a commentary David shared with me, The Layman’s Bible Commentary” by James Mayes (David’s doctor father—how cool is that!) For some reason, the whole communion sacrament means more when you really put yourself with Jesus on that last, holy night he spent with his friends and followers.
This text was quite the gem for us in the book of Numbers. The law is a lot to digest. But it’s helpful in growing our understanding of God to see his handiwork and how his people revere him. For this reading, it’s all about Passover. Some Christians I know celebrate it every year. I’ve done so on several quite impactful occasions. It was something Jesus routinely did and so I feel closer to him somehow. Especially because Passover points so beautifully to Jesus, our sacrificial Lamb.
Take time today to remember the Passover story (Exodus 12). It’s really our story, too, as children of God, adopted in as promised long ago. Consider celebrating Passover if you’re ever given the chance. It usually happens around Easter time.
Let’s pray. Lord, I love to remember all the good things you have done for your people and continue to do every day. It can look around the world and see your handprints. Thank you for using me at time to leave those marks for you. Help me to be ever ready to take that leap of faith for you or share your truth with the right person ready to hear. Give me your shield of protection to deflect all attacks from the evil one. Use me to help others see you are their one true defense. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
