BEGINNING OF PASSOVER

 

BY THE END OF THE LESSON, WE WILL:

UNDERSTAND the historical events that lie behind the Jewish celebration of Passover; EMPATHIZE with those who are in need of deliverance; and IDENTIFY ways in which the church can participate in freeing those who need deliverance.

FOCAL VERSES Exodus 12:1-14

KEEP IN MIND

"And in this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the LORD throughtout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance for ever" (Exodus 12:14).

AT-A-GLANCE

1. Instructions to Mark a New Beginning (Exodus 12:1-2)
2. Instructions to Prepare for Freedom (vv. 3-6)
3. Instructions for the Exit (vv. 7-12)
4. Instructions to Institute the Passover (vv. 13-14)

IN FOCUS STORY

In April 1906, a revival began in the United States that set free the spiritual captives in a way that had not been seen with such power since. That revival
is referred to as the Azusa Street Revival, named after the Los Angeles location that housed the movement from 1906 until 1913. The roots of the revival run far wide-from the 19th century Methodist camp meetings to the Holiness Movement that seemed to invade northern cities. The outpouring of the Holy Ghost can trace its American roots from the Topeka, Kansas Bible school run by Charles Parham to the Asberry home on Bonnie Brae Street in California. It was, however, the former stable that became known as the Azusa Mission under the leadership of Elder William Seymour that is considered that birthplace of Pentecostal worship.
During the years that the Azusa Mission operated, people of all ethnicities and socioeconomic backgrounds came together for worship and received the Holy Ghost. The Los Angeles newspaper reported on the events and found themselves attempting to explain this phenomenon of speaking in tongues. As on the Day of Pentecost, the fires of Azusa Street set aflame anew the Spirit of God in the United States.

While God has never been without witness, it was in a small Los Angeles building that people in the United States began to connect with the events that took place on the Day of Pentecost. That flame continues to burn, setting free the captives who come to confess Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and are filled with the Holy Ghost by the mighty power of God.
In today's lesson, we review the historical account of the first Passover, which set in motion freedom for the Children of Israel by God's mighty hand.

THE PEOPLE, PLACES, and TIMES

EGYPT. This country was the leading power of it age because of its positioning for sea traffic and the production and richness of its land due to the Nile River. In times of famine, Egypt's major cities of Pithom and Rameses further solidified its might through their stocked surplus of grain, storage of local and imported goods, and military equipment. These major cities were built on the backs of the Hebrew slaves, who became captives around 1500 B.C. after the ascension of a new king who conquered Egypt and did not know Joseph (Exodus 1:8-11).

BACKGROUND

God promised Abraham (Genesis 12:2-4, 15:5), Isaac (26:24), and Jacob (28:13-15) that from their lineage a great nation would come and that all the families of the earth would be blessed through them. This patriarchal line would go down in the history of humankind as the most detailed and celebrated of all families of earth and, ultimately as the chosen lineage of Jesus Christ, God Incarnate. God told Abraham in a vision about the years of hardship his people would endure in Egypt, but by His mighty hand God would deliver them (15:12-16).
Fast forward hundreds of years, God sent Moses as His mouthpiece to bring to pass the covenant He made with his ancestors. Citing his own shortcomings, Moses was a reluctant spokesman for God. However, God assured Moses that He was with him. With God's mighty hand, Moses would accomplish God's plan in the midst of what appeared to be formidable opposition.
Moses, having lived as the adopted son Pharaoh's daughter, knew the inner workings of the palace. With God going before him and his brother Aaron at his side, Moses brought to Pharaoh the message of impending judgment of Egypt. Through signs and wonders in devastating plagues, God proved that His power trumps any earthly ruler. With the final and most deadly plague forthcoming, God would show His ability to protect His people and make a distinction between them and the Egyptians (11:7).

SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES

1. According to the Jewish calendar, when did these events take place(Exodus 12:2-3, 6)?
2. Explain the events surrounding preparation for the Passover Meal (vv. 3-10).
3. How were the Children of Israel to set themselves apart from the Egyptians in advance of the final plague (vv. 7. 12-13)?
4. How were the Children of Israel to prepare for their exit from Egypt (v. 11)?

DISCUSS THE MEANING

1. Review the plagues that God had already visited upon the Egyptians. Why do you think this final on would make the difference?

2. The blood has great significance. What was supposed to happen with the blood, and what about the blood was to be avoided?

3. What parallels can you draw from his lesson to our salvation through Jesus Christ and our life as saints in the world?

4. The Azusa Revival is the subject of today's In Focus story. In what way do you think "the blood was applied" at Azusa (and continues to applied today) in setting captives free from sin?

LESSON IN OUR SOCIETY

Our world continues to be in great turmoil, and we meet people daily who are held captive by the lure of power, money, and fame. The world system encourages people to place their hope in things that leave them disappointed and in despair. Those who have been set free by the blood of Jesus Christ have to draw others to Him. As we encounter people who are in trouble and searching for answers, our divine appointments is to share our faith. Just as we are able to provide customer reviews and referrals  when we experience a great product of service, our testimony serves as convincing proof that Jesus is real and can deliver hope to the hopeless.

MAKE IT HAPPEN

Be intentional! Ask God to build up your faith and pray as the early church prayed for the boldness to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Lord is always looking to show Himself strong through His people. Look for opportunities to be an agent of change for others to receive their deliverance from the bondage of sin and come into relationship with Jesus Christ.

(EXCEPT FROM APOSTOLIC LIGHT P.A.W.)