God’s Providence, Promise, and Prescription- Exodus 12:29-51

In the second half of this chapter, we have a wonderful, succinct way to live a flourishing, Christian life. I say “flourishing” because to me it pictures the promised result of meditation on God’s Word according to the Psalmist, in Psalm 1:3. “He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season and its leaf does not wither.”

The Differences in Plants

Today, the average Christian looks more like a plant that has not received water in several days. The leaves are wilted, the potting soil dry, and the bright and vibrant green is a dull and lifeless brown.

What is the difference? In plants, the difference is easily observable. If the soil is dry, then the plant needs water. If it is lifeless, it needs nutrients and sun.

The Christian is no different. When one observes a joyless Christian, or an unhappy Christian, or a depressed Christian, or a struggling Christian, or a __________ Christian, we know that they are not receiving the life-giving needs from the Word of God or the Church of God.

In this chapter, we see God’s Providence, His Promise, and His Prescription. And these three provide us with a “Miracle Grow” for the Christian life. In other words, if you read and believe God’s Word (or, meditate on it) you will be like flourishing tree.

I. God’s Providence- 12:29-36

We have seen God’s providence in every chapter. It is glorious, a beautiful demonstration of His power over all and a comforting truth for the believer.

Piper tells us this,

“One of the things that makes the exodus unique is that expressions of its ultimate goal are not restricted to the story itself as it unfolds in the first chapters of the book of Exodus. There are reverberations of its purpose for centuries in the history of Israel and the history of the Christian church.”—John Piper, Providence, 97

The exodus is a theme that runs throughout the entire Bible. God has waged war against Egypt and has decimated them. One more final skirmish will come, but for now, God has dealt the death blow to every first born, of both man and beast, God has wielded sovereign rule of Pharaoh who responded, “Who is the LORD?”, and God will demonstrate His sovereignty over every single Egyptian.

A. Over Egypt-every firstborn died (12:29-30)

God calls Israel His “firstborn” (Ex. 4:22-23). When Pharaoh failed to release the firstborn of God, God dealt a deathblow to Egypt. God killed every firstborn in Egypt, both men and animals.

B. Over Pharaoh- he sent them away (12:31-33)

Pharaoh commands Moses and the people of Egypt to leave. The hardhearted Pharaoh who refused to know Yahweh and bow before Him, who refused to let Israel go, is now wielding what is left of his pathetic, royal authority to send Israel away.

C. Over the Egyptians- they were plundered (12:34-36)

God’s providence is also over the Egyptians themselves. Israel plunders them without raising a spear or any weapon. I love the way A. W. Pink describes this section of Scripture:

“From the natural standpoint there was every reason why the Egyptians should hate the Israelites more than ever. Not only were they, as a pastoral people, an ‘abomination unto the Egyptians’ (Gen. 46:34), but it was the God of the Hebrews who had so severely plagued them and their land.” A. W. Pink, Gleanings in Exodus, 77

None can stay God’s hand. Now, before we move on, let me focus on this for a moment. God is sovereign, rest believers, in this gracious and good God! Whatever afflictions you may face, whatever struggle against sin you are fighting, whatever trial has you weighed down, God is almighty and God loves you. Like Paul, we can boldly say, “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us?” (Rom. 8:31)

II. God’s Promise- 12:37-41

God keeps His promises. His Word is trustworthy. God told Israel what would happen and it happened down to the very day. Here in church, surrounded by believers and singing the praises of God, this is easy to acknowledge. It is when we are alone, faced with our thoughts and in the midst of struggles that this needs be remembered.

Commit to remember this truth now. There will be a time when you doubt God’s Word, when unbelief stirs itself up in your heart. Speak God’s Truth into those doubts. Let God be true, and every man a liar.

III. God’s Prescription- 12:42-51

God, in His goodness, provided Israel with clear and precise directions. There is nothing more frustrating than a boss who has expectations but never tells you what they are. They simply tell you what is wrong. But God is good and gave Israel the exact expectations of what the Passover was to look like. We will see at the end how this important for the church today.

A. The Passover is an Annual Celebration- 12:42

This feast was to be celebrated every year. This served several purposes, some of which we have already discussed. The primary purpose, though, was to keep their suffering, God’s deliverance, and their Lord’s goodness before their minds.

Each year Israel would share this meal and retell the Exodus story. The Seder celebrated today is a beautiful testament to God’s goodness, one that I hope to host here one day to demonstrate how Christ-centered this feast is.

B. The Passover is an Exclusive Celebration- 12:43-45

Not everyone could celebrate the Passover. Foreigners, sojourner’s, or hired servants were forbidden to eat the Passover meal. The only exception was if they were circumcised, that is to say, if they worshipped Yahweh and joined in the generous covenant.

This sounds harsh, especially to our ears of inclusivity, but the truth is that God has always marked out a people and has provided them with the benefits of His grace, including the observance of rituals and what we call sacraments. Unbelievers cannot be baptized, nor can they enjoy the Eucharist, or the Lord’s Supper.

But this is where we tie things to the New Covenant.

C. The Passover is an Prophetic Celebration- 12:46

The last point we will consider is the truth that the Passover is a prophetic celebration. Notice a very important piece of information: “nor are you to break any bone of it.” The passage that Hannah read offers us the fulfillment of this wonderful prophecy.

Hebrews 10:1-18 offers us some of the most beautiful words and comforts in all of the Bible.

__________

Application:

Christian, dig deep into this Miracle Grow for your life. Meditate frequently on the providence of God, rest in His sovereign rule. Glory in the remarkable promises of God, relish His sweet love. And follow God’s prescription, delight in the ways in which He grows His children.

Unbeliever, God has demonstrated Himself to be the One true God, will you fall to your feet in your sinfulness and ask Christ to save you? Hebrews 7:25 tells us He is able to save us to the uttermost!