Redemption Process Explained

 Redemption Process Explained

Exodus 34: ¹⁸ “The Feast of Unleavened Bread you shall keep. Seven days you shall eat unleavened bread, as I commanded you, in the appointed time of the month of Abib; for in the month of Abib you came out from Egypt.

 

¹⁹ “All that open the womb are Mine, and every male firstborn among your livestock, whether ox or sheep. ²⁰ But the firstborn of a donkey you shall redeem with a lamb. And if you will not redeem him, then you shall break his neck. All the firstborn of your sons you shall redeem.

 

“And none shall appear before Me empty-handed.

 

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GOD reiterates to keep the Feat of Unleavened Bread. HE then explains what to do with specific firstborn male animals.

 

My Observations:

• GOD takes redemption of humans very seriously.
• Oxen and sheep were acceptable sacrifices to GOD.
• Donkeys were good work animals, but were unacceptable as a sacrifice and they represent stubbornness.

 

GOD had just reiterated to Moses that no idols were to be made or worshipped. The people had just forces Aaron to make a golden calf and many died because of this action. Now GOD reiterates that HE took the people out of Egypt in a hurry and they were to celebrate this hasty departure by eating unleavened bread. Yeast, or leaven represents sin.

 

Oxen were used as a sacrifice to GOD for admitting sin. Sheep were sacrificed to GOD representing what JESUS would do to redeem the world. I believe the reason no one should come to the LORD empty-handed is everyone has sinned and needs to admit it.

 

GOD is not looking for currency. HE is looking for admitting the need for redemption. Surrendering our stubbornness required a special extra sacrifice of another lamb. The people stubbornly made an idol after being told not to. GOD expected an extra step for redemption of stubbornness.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about the feast of Unleavened Bread and the special sacrifices?
• What blind spot or stubborn behavior is GOD asking you to take special steps to get rid of?
• Are you appearing before the LORD empty-handed by not admitting you need HIM and are following your own plans?