The Power Of The "blood" In Times Of Global Locked Down: A Message For Holy Friday

“On that same night I will pass through Egypt and strike down every firstborn of both people and animals, and I will bring judgment on all the gods of Egypt. I am the Lord. 13 The blood will be a sign for you on the houses where you are, and when I see the blood, I will pass over you. No destructive plague will touch you when I strike Egypt.

Just like the ancient Egyptian society during the time of Moses, the world is crumbling and is panicking because of the plaque that is spreading, killing and destroying thousands of lives in our times. WHO, our private and public health systems, the military and economic powers cannot withstand the power of COVID-19. It continues to spread and destroy lives.

Is there any solution? If our human abilities and resources cannot triumph over this virus, what is God's prescription to protect us from its harm? This Friday, as we reminisce about what Jesus has done at the cross. Let me call your attention toward the power of the blood that is more than able to protect us from harm.

This Friday, let us remember:

1. A spotless lamb has been sacrificed for humanity’s sins.

a. Characteristics of this spotless and sacrificial lamb.

1. The lamb is for "all," "all household" "All community" "all members" vv, 2 4, 6.

2. The blood of the lamb must be shared with family members, neighbors, and friends and it should be applied to the doorposts of their houses v.3

b. The sacrificial lamb is "young" and blameless, v 5. Jesus was our sacrifice without sin.

c. The lamb must be killed sometime in the afternoon, the time when the Jews offer their sacrificial lamb. Jesus was crucified and gave up his spirit in the afternoon.

d Jesus was the lamb of God that takes away all the sins of all humanity 1. John the Baptist, the prophet who prepared the coming of the Messiah said, "Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world." John 1:36. 2. Even Paul who saw Christ enthroned said, "For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us" (1 Corinthians 5:7).

e. Jesus was sacrificed without sin---- a perfect sacrifice for humanity. Because of the blood of the lamb that was sacrificed, we were spared from death. Physical and spiritual death which is separation from God. Yes even if we die, we will live with him. John 11:25-26: 14:1-3.

f. The sacrifice that Jesus did had three purposes according to the word of God. 1. It is for his substitutionary work, Isa. 53:5-6 2. It is for the propitiation of our sins 3. It is for reconciliation

2. The Blood Is a Powerful Sign

a. The "blood" sign in their doorposts and lintel is a sign for Yahweh and the people of Israel. It is a sign of covering and protection

b. The lockdown must be strictly observed because the "angel of death" is spreading the plaque outside the house, v. 23.

c. The 10 plaques of Egypt were poured out to bring down the "god's and goddesses" of Egypt, v. 12.

d. The ancient world was disfigured by lust, love of money, injustice, oppression, and cruelty.

e. The blood is a sign of God's protection for the judgment that God is bringing to humanity.

f. In the NT, Jesus did not only protect us from harm but Jesus disarmed the power of Satan through his death at the cross. Col. 2:15

g. The power of his death and resurrection empowers us to win our battles in life. The cross is a sign of victory.

3. Sharing

a. In eating the whole lamb without any leftover, it implies that we should receive Jesus without any reservations, v. 7-11.

b. When the blood is applied, each family must "sit" and relax and give God the full responsibility to act to protect them.

c. Because of the blood, God has commanded us to share our food and resources.

d. Because of the blood applied, he, commanded us to worship and fellowship inside our houses.

e. Because of the blood of Jesus, we are now brothers and sisters, bought and purchased by His precious blood. We have a shared identity because of the blood of Jesus.

Conclusion:

To conclude this short reflection, let me encourage everyone that without the sacrifice that Jesus has done, there is no eternal life for us (John 12:2). Through the sacrifice of Jesus, now he can share and democratize his power to all who believe (Acts 1:8). Through the death of Jesus, He has ensured our inheritance in heaven even if we die, we are destined for eternity to be with Him. 1 Cor. 15:57 We should be telling and sharing the power of the blood to family members and friends.