Overview:
How unlikely it must have seemed when God promised Moses that the Israelites would not only exit Egypt but would walk away with gifts of silver and gold.
Much of what God told Moses required faith, including His instructions leading up to the angel of death passing over. Studying Exodus 11–12, Pastor Chuck Swindoll shares how God’s ways might not always seem logical to us, but our obedience yields blessing!
God is still interested in making history with those who will follow His leading, regardless of how strange His plan may seem!
Message Summary:
Message Key Facts:
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The Tenth Plague: God announced the death of every firstborn in Egypt, from the son of Pharaoh to the firstborn of the livestock, as a final judgment on the land’s false gods.
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The Passover Instructions: To be spared from the "Destroyer," each Israelite household was commanded to sacrifice a spotless lamb and apply its blood to the top and sides of their doorframes.
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The Despoiling of Egypt: Just as God promised, the Egyptians were so desperate for the Israelites to leave that they gave them articles of silver, gold, and clothing, effectively paying the "wages" for centuries of slave labor.
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The Departure: Approximately 600,000 men, plus women and children—roughly 2 million people in total—exited Egypt in "haste," marking the birth of a nation.
Message References:
Primary Scripture Reference: Exodus 11–12
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Exodus 11:1–8: Moses announces the final plague to Pharaoh, declaring a distinction between Israel and Egypt.
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Exodus 12:1–13: God provides the detailed requirements for the Passover lamb and the promise: "When I see the blood, I will pass over you."
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Exodus 12:29–33: The midnight cry in Egypt as the firstborn are struck, and Pharaoh finally commands the Israelites to "Get up, get out."
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Exodus 12:40–42: The fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham, occurring exactly 430 years after the Israelites arrived in Egypt.
Lessons on Redemption and Obedience
Pastor Chuck Swindoll draws out timeless principles for believers today regarding God’s plan for deliverance:
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Trust God’s Logic, Even When It’s Unlikely: Many of God’s instructions—like applying blood to a doorframe—might not have seemed logical at the time. True faith is expressed through "selfless dedication" to God’s specific commands.
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The Necessity of the Blood: The Passover serves as a profound "type" of Christ. Just as the blood of the lamb protected the Israelites from physical death, the blood of Jesus, our Passover Lamb, protects us from spiritual judgment.
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God Keeps His Appointments: Deliverance happened "on that very day" that God had appointed centuries earlier. We can rest in the fact that God’s timing is never late.
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A Clean Break from the Past: The Israelites left Egypt with their loins girded and staff in hand. Following God requires a readiness to leave behind our old "captivity" and move toward the future He has prepared.
