And when I see the blood, I will pass over you, (Exodus 12:13 ESV)
Passing Over
The first born of every family in Egypt was expected to die. This death was the result of Pharaoh’s utter rejection of God and His Word. Pharaoh was the Federal Head of the Egyptian empire, and so all under his rule were subject to that death.
But God made an amazing exception. The blood of a sacrificed Lamb, painted onto the top of any door, would stop the Angel of Death’s activity. The Lamb was substituted for the first born in that household who protected by the Lamb’s blood.
That substitution was only made regarding the tenth plague in Egypt.
But more Substitution is necessary.
As the blood of that lamb on the door caused the Angel of Death to pass over that household, Christ causes the wrath of God to pass over God’s people… who also are facing God’s just judgment against all who rebel against Him.
Christ’s blood, shed for our guilt. Christ’s blood, shed instead of ours. Christ’s blood, enable God’s punishment to pass over His people.
Just as the Hebrew families needed that sacrificial lamb to survive, we need Christ’s sacrifice to live joyfully forever.