The Sacrificial Lamb

Exodus 12:21-23 (NLT)

21 Then Moses called all the elders of Israel together and said to them, “Go, pick out a lamb or young goat for each of your families, and slaughter the Passover animal. 22 Drain the blood into a basin. Then take a bundle of hyssop branches and dip it into the blood. Brush the hyssop across the top and sides of the doorframes of your houses. And no one may go out through the door until morning. 23 For the LORD will pass through the land to strike down the Egyptians. But when he sees the blood on the top and sides of the doorframe, the LORD will pass over your home. He will not permit his death angel to enter your house and strike you down.


Reflection

Have you ever experienced a moment that seemed confusing or uncertain, only to realize later how perfectly it fit into the bigger picture? That's what God's mysterious ways are like—often baffling at first, but ultimately revealing His amazing plan.

There are many situations in my own past that were confusing but eventually revealed God’s purpose later. My favorite example is my marriage. Through my lens, our relationship never, ever should have occurred. We were two different people, on different paths, in different groups, and to be honest, we didn’t get along, and were content to never be friends, let alone anything more. But God just kept stepping in and bringing us together, even several years after college, when we ended up working for the same company. And here we are, nearly twenty years later, and my husband is my favorite person in the world.

In the Old Testament, God foreshadowed His redemptive work through sacrifice, using spotless lambs and rituals, which pointed to the ultimate sacrifice—Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God who takes away our sins.

God was setting the stage for something incredible, even though He didn’t fully communicate His plan at the time. It is like a puzzle, where each piece has a purpose, but the full picture only becomes clear in His perfect timing.

Jesus’ work on the cross reveals God's desire for intimacy with us. Jesus' death and resurrection were not just historical events; they were kairos moments—the appointed time when God's plan of salvation was fully unveiled. Now, through Christ, we become temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:16-17, 6:19), where God's presence dwells within us.

In our own lives, God continues to foreshadow His plans. Sometimes we face challenges or moments of uncertainty that just don't make sense. Yet, when we trust in Him and look back later, we often see how He was working all things together for our good (Romans 8:28).


Action Step

Take a moment to reflect on the mystery of God's ways and embrace the peace that comes from knowing He is in control. Get into a habit of noticing God's presence and activity in your daily experiences. Be attentive to moments where things fall into place unexpectedly or when challenges lead to unforeseen blessings. Keep a gratitude journal to record instances of God's faithfulness and provision, even amid uncertainties.


Prayer
 
God, thank You for the mystery of Your ways, which at times don’t make any sense to us. May the cross bring clarity to our understanding of Your restoration plan and be an example of Your love for us and how You’re still moving in our lives daily. Let us find peace in Your mysterious ways and trust that You’ll wow us with your power and participation in our lives, revealing Your perfect timing in every moment. Amen.