Take Action (A New You #4) - Monday Morning Devotion
In this season of resolutions and "becoming a new person," we invite you to join us on a journey in the seven weeks leading to Lent. Come and discover more about the baby we celebrated in the manger.
Just like you, this baby is more than what he seems. And as mysterious as that sounds, it is all expained and laid out for us in God's Word.
You can become a new person this year - a child of God and a citizen of His Kingdom, dedicated to seeking His will every day and in every action.
Need to start at the beginning? Read Week 1 Here
Read:
Exodus 12:12-13
John 15:8
1 Kings 2:3
The story in Exodus, of Moses leading God's people out of Egypt and slavery, is so filled with action and packed with clues, it feels as though God is putting up flashing lights and pounding a drum, yelling, "I want to restore our broken relationship. My Son will be the way. He will look like this. Don’t miss Him!"
The Egyptians had already suffered through nine plagues when God tells Moses about the final plague - death to the firstborn son of every family.
And, as always, God created a way out for His people. Each family must sacrifice a male lamb, perfect and healthy, and paint their doorposts with the lamb’s blood. “And when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and no plague will befall you or destroy you, when I strike the land of Egypt” (Exodus 12:13).
Did you catch that? The blood of the lamb would be a sign that those families belong to the Lord, and His judgment would pass over them.
But first, they had to take action. They had to find a lamb, sacrifice it, and paint their doorway.
We know we are not saved by any action we take ourselves, but by our faith in Jesus as our Risen Savior. But as children of God, we are not called to sit and revel in our salvation.
John 15:8, says, "My true disciples bear much fruit."
In other words, Jesus tells us, "Be productive! Don't just survive or exist. Be successful in what I have called you to do, to make disciples and bring glory to our Father's Kingdom."
At the end of the day, God's measure of success is the only one that matters. Are you becoming more like Jesus? Are you loving your neighbor? Are you using the skills and experiences He has given you to be Him glory?
Step out and start moving in the direction God is pushing you. Join Him in His mission to save the lost. And the easiest way to start is by reading His Word and walking in obedience. In time, as you move toward God in all the various areas of your life, your joy in the Lord will shine into the world.
The blood of the lamb on the doorways of each Israelite house is a vivid image of Christ’s sacrifice. Their lives depended upon following the order of Moses (as it came from God) and the trust that God would provide a way out. Our eternal life depends on the sacrificial blood of the Lamb and our trust that God has already provided a way out of our separation from Him. He has restored our relationship, and in our joy, we will share that relationship with others.
Take time to thank God in your heart that the sacrifice of a Lamb—of Jesus’ blood—makes it possible for death to “pass over” us and for always providing a way for His children to receive mercy and forgiveness.