The Passover Lamb

“Do not leave any of it till morning; if some is left till morning, you must burn it. This is how you are to eat it: with your cloak tucked into your belt, your sandals on your feet and your staff in your hand. Eat it in haste; it is the Lord’s Passover.” Exodus 12:10-11The budding trees and sound of birds singing are a clear indication that spring is here. This time of the year, our thoughts naturally turn toward the spiritual season we are in as well, as we move toward the Resurrection. It’s the season of Passover in the Jewish calendar.

The first Passover took place on the night of the last and final plague against the Egyptians; the death of firstborn males, from Pharaoh’s own son, to the firstborn of every animal. The night before their release from captivity, God instructed His people to sacrifice a spotless lamb and mark the doorposts of their homes with its blood.  The Passover lamb would take the place of the firstborn sons of the Israelites. 

Recently, I came across this scripture in my daily Bible reading plan about the original institution of the Passover Lamb. It seemed to jump off the page and hit my heart with fresh insight. This was what the Lord instructed them to do with their sacrifice:

“Do not leave any of it till morning; if some is left till morning, you must burn it.  This is how you are to eat it: with your cloak tucked into your belt, your sandals on your feet and your staff in your hand. Eat it in haste; it is the Lord’s Passover.” Exodus 12:10-11

“Do not leave any of it till morning; if some is left till morning, you must burn it. This is how you are to eat it: with your cloak tucked into your belt, your sandals on your feet and your staff in your hand. Eat it in haste; it is the Lord’s Passover.” Exodus 12:10-11The budding trees and sound of birds singing are a clear indication that spring is here. This time of the year, our thoughts naturally turn toward the spiritual season we are in as well, as we move toward the Resurrection. It’s the season of Passover in the Jewish calendar.

The first Passover took place on the night of the last and final plague against the Egyptians; the death of firstborn males, from Pharaoh’s own son, to the firstborn of every animal. The night before their release from captivity, God instructed His people to sacrifice a spotless lamb and mark the doorposts of their homes with its blood.  The Passover lamb would take the place of the firstborn sons of the Israelites. 

Recently, I came across this scripture in my daily Bible reading plan about the original institution of the Passover Lamb. It seemed to jump off the page and hit my heart with fresh insight. This was what the Lord instructed them to do with their sacrifice:

“Do not leave any of it till morning; if some is left till morning, you must burn it.  This is how you are to eat it: with your cloak tucked into your belt, your sandals on your feet and your staff in your hand. Eat it in haste; it is the Lord’s Passover.” Exodus 12:10-11

As I thought about it, I realized that when I take communion, I rarely think of the original Passover.  Instead, my mind goes to the New Testament scriptures when Jesus passes the cup, breaks bread with His disciples, and tells them it represents His body and blood.

God’s instruction at the first Passover was that they were not to leave any part of the sacrifice behind…they were to eat it all.

Consume It All

When we come to the communion table, do we partake of it wholly or do we take just a small piece of what Jesus’ sacrifice paid for us?

Do we realize ALL sin and ALL our shame has been forgiven and dealt with on the cross? Do we open our hearts to receive it ALL?

What also stood out to me was how the Lord told them to eat it.

Cloak on? Check.

Sandals on? Check.

Staff in Hand? Check.

Eat quickly? Check.

They were to eat it and be prepared for the journey.

When we reflect on the cross and partake of the Lord’s communion, it propels us into a wonderful journey with Him of forgiveness, freedom, promises, and a hopeful future.

Consume it all!

Let go of ALL sin, shame, and guilt when you remember Jesus’ sacrifice at the communion table. Receive it ALL… and walk in the grace, mercy, and freedom that Jesus purchased for you as your Passover Lamb. Let His love propel you into the incredible journey God has for you.