“And this day shall be unto you for a memorial, and ye shall keep it a feast to the Lord throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance forever.”
Historical Context:The book of Exodus recounts the story of the Israelites’ liberation from slavery in Egypt. In this particular verse, God is giving instructions to Moses and Aaron regarding the observance of the Passover, which commemorates the Israelites’ deliverance from the final plague that led to their freedom.
A Day of Memorial:God designates the day of the Passover as a memorial for the Israelites. It was to be a reminder of God’s intervention and deliverance from bondage. By remembering this day, they would recall God’s faithfulness and the miraculous acts performed on their behalf.
A Feast to the Lord:The Passover was not only a memorial but also a feast to the Lord. It was a sacred and joyous occasion for the Israelites to gather together and celebrate God’s redemption. It involved the sacrifice and consumption of a lamb, the unleavened bread, and bitter herbs, all of which held significant symbolism.
Generational Observance:The observance of the Passover was not meant to be a one-time event but a lasting tradition passed down from generation to generation. The Israelites were instructed to keep the feast throughout their generations. This ensured that the memory of God’s deliverance would remain alive and that subsequent generations would understand their history and relationship with God.
An Everlasting Ordinance:God declared that the Passover feast should be kept as an ordinance forever. This shows the importance and permanence of this commemoration in the Israelite religious calendar. The Passover pointed forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, who would deliver humanity from the bondage of sin.
Spiritual Application:For Christians, the Passover holds great spiritual significance. Jesus Christ, our Passover Lamb, fulfilled the symbolism of the Passover by offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice for our sins. His death and resurrection set us free from the bondage of sin and brought about our spiritual deliverance.
The principle of remembering God’s faithfulness, celebrating His redemption, and passing on the legacy of faith to future generations is also applicable to Christians today. We are called to remember and celebrate the work of Christ, not only through the sacrament of Communion but also through a lifestyle of gratitude, praise, and sharing the message of salvation.
In conclusion, Exodus 12:14 reminds us of the importance of commemorating God’s deliverance, keeping His ordinances, and passing on the legacy of faith to future generations. The Passover feast serves as a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness and points forward to the redemptive work of Jesus Christ.
