Lesson 42 Commemoration of The Passover And Divine Guidance
Text: Numbers 9:1-23; 10:1-36
Commemoration means to bring to remembrance or celebrate an important event. In our Bible passage (Numbers 9), God commanded the children of Israel to celebrate one of the most important acts of God in delivering them from bondage in Erupt. This important act is known as Passover.
The word Passover can be divided into two. These two parts explain its meaning and importance. The first part is pass, which means to cross from one place to another, while the second is over, meaning to cross above or miss a particular mark or target. This was what physically happened in the land of Egypt during the first Passover.
The angel of death crossed over the houses of the children of Israel, entered those of the Egyptians, and killed all their firstborns. It was a divine judgment on a wicked nation and great deliverance for God’s chosen people. God still cares for His own. If you are a true child of God, you do not have to fear death or Satan. God will protect and preserve your life. After this first Passover, God commended the children of Israel to regularly observe the Passover feast as a memorial to remember their deliverance from the land of bondage. During the wilderness journey after leaving Egypt, the children of Israel were commended again to celebrate the Passover. They obeyed and the presence of God went with them to guide them on their way. Obedience to God’s word will always attract His blessings and presence in our lives.
1.CELEBRATION AND SIGNIFICANCE OF THE PASSOVER:
Numbers 9:1-14; Exodus 12:1-29; Matthew 26: 1,2, 17-29.
“And the LORD spake unto Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, in the first month Of the second year after they were come out of the land of Egypt, saying, Let the children of Israel also keep the Passover at his appointed season” (Numbers 9: 1 ,2). About two years after leaving the children of Israel were commanded to observe the Passover just as they did in Egypt was to be a solemn ceremony involving killing a male lamb without blemish, eating unleavened bread with bitter herbs, abstaining from any form of labour, gathering together in a holy assembly. All these, the people observed in obedience to God’s command. We are to obey God’s word at all times.
Is there any significance or importance of the Passover celebration? Yes there are.
(i) It was to serve as a memorial for the children of Israel in their generations (Exodus 12:26,27).
(ii) Through this celebration, future generations will bring to remembrance God’s mighty acts of grace and mercy which He showed to their fathers. This will help them to honour God, trust Him and be obedient to His word.
(iii) Commemoration of the Passover will help the children of Israel to totally depend on God as their deliverer, provider and protector, and to seek His glory alone as they serve Him.
(iv) The Passover points to Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the whole world (John 1:29).
The blood applied on the door posts was to save the firstborn from death. Jesus shed His blood on the cross to save us from death and God’s judgment (Hebrews 9:22). Jesus, our Passover Lamb, is the sinless, holy, pure and perfect Son of God (Hebrews 4:15). In remembrance of the Passover, God demands that all sinners repent, ask for forgiveness and cleansing through the blood of Jesus. Pray foreland heart and live holy always. Now it is time to examine yourself. Be watchful and prepare for the coming of the
- THE CLOUD OF GUIDANCE: Numbers 9:15-23; 10:1-36
After passing on the instructions concerning the observance of the Passover, the tabernacle was raised up. On the day it was erected, a supernatural cloud covered it, and it was continuous and had the appearance of fire. The pillar of cloud and pillar of fire signify the presence of God with His people. He guided them through the wilderness on their journey to the Promised Land. The children of Israel moved in response to the Lord’s instructions and the Lord was their real leader, It was their obedience to God’s guidance that made them to enjoy His protection and preservation.
God still protects His children today. Though we do not have the pillar of cloud and fire, God leads and directs through His word and the power of the Holy Spirit. If you need guidance on any area of your life and future decision, make the word of God your best companion. Read it every day, Lister attentively when it is being taught. Believe the word. Think deeply on it message, act on its instructions and spread the message to all around you. Then will enjoy the blessings of obedience.
- COMPLETE PROTECTION AND GUIDANCE THROUGH OUR PASSOVER LAMB:
Numbers 9:1-5, 15, 16; Matthew 26: 1 ,2,26-29; John 1:29 1 Corinthians 5:7,8; 11:24-26.
When a sinner repents and receives forgiveness from God, he comes under divine protection and care because of the blood of Jesus. The blood that Jesus shed on the cross is powerful and more effective than the blood of male lamb the children of Israel applied to their door Post in Egypt. If the blood of the male lamb could prevent the angel of death from entering their houses, how much more will the blood of the everlasting covenant, seal and keep us from all
There is surety in the blood of Jesus. There is power in the blood of Jesus, there is wonder working power in the blood of the Lamb. Redemption through the blood of Jesus opens the door for the repentant sinners to come under and enjoy all the benefits in the sinless, pure blood of Jesus. Such benefits include:
(i) Protection and preservation from all evils — demonic attack, plagues, sicknesses, pestilences and afflictions (Exodus 12: 13; 1 Corinthians 5:7b).
(ii) Authority over Satan and deliverance from his bondage (Revelation 12: 11).
(iii) Healing of all sicknesses and diseases (Isaiah 53:5; 1 Peter 2:24).
(iv) Peace of mind (Romans 5:1).
God has given us lots of promises concerning His guidance and protection. But He will only guide and protect His children who are obedient to His word. If you are still doing bad things like fighting, stealing, lying, disobedient to parents etc. You need to surrender your life now to Jesus. Ask God for forgiveness and cleansing in the blood of Jesus. This is the gateway to enjoying all the benefits that the blood of Jesus provides.
QUESTIONS:
- What does commemoration mean?
- Define Passover?
- Mention the importance of the Passover celebration.
- What was the symbol of God’s guidance for Israel in the wilderness?
- Enumerate the benefits we can enjoy through the blood of Jesus.
MEMORY VERSE: “And they kept the Passover on the day of the first month at even in the wilderness of Sinai: according to all that the LORD commanded Moses, so did the children of Israel” (Numbers 9.5).
LESSON: Jesus Christ is our Passover Lamb who protects and cares for us.
THOUGHT: I accept Jesus as my personal Saviour and Lord.
ACTIVITY: Sword drill: Exodus 12:13; Deuteronomy 1:33; Psalms 121:5-8; 91: 1 Exodus 33: 14.
CONGREGATIONAL SONG: GHS 37 WHEN 1 SEE THE BLOOD
CHORUSES:
(1) When I see the blood.
(2) The blood of Jesus has made me whole.
(3) Jesus the same yesterday, today and forever.
HOMEWORK: Search the Bible and write, in your homework book, five promises for our protection and guidance.
BIBLE WORD SEARCH
Find the meaning of these words. You can use your dictionary:
- Passover
- Significance
- Commemoration
- Bondage
- Covenant.
