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Bo
Exodus
10:1-13:16
Jeremiah
46:13-28
1
Cor.11:20-34
In this
week’s Torah portion, we read about the last three plagues: locusts,
darkness and the death of the firstborn. Also, Nissan is declared to be
the first of the months, the year begins here. The Pesach festival and
all of the ritual and law are stated. Finally, the actual exodus.
The Passover is described in Exodus 12:3-11.
Moshe is given instructions on how to conduct the Seder, what to prepare
and how to prepare everything necessary. A lamb for each household will
be slaughtered. The blood will be put on the mezuzot, the two side posts
of the door. Blood must be put on the lentel, the top of the door. As
the Angel of Death passes over all of Egypt, those who are inside their
homes with the blood upon their doors in the exact way that Moshe was
instructed, will be safe.
In the Torah, we see that the only ones allowed
to participate in the Seder as a memorial to G-d’s deliverance, are
natural born Israelites, servants who were bought for a price and
circumcised, and the ger tzedek, the righteous strangers or
sojourners. In our time, the term ger tzedek refers to those who
have been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb, and have committed themselves
to the Covenant of G-d. The Book of Romans refers to these ger tzedek
stating that they have been grafted into the household of faith (11:17)
and may be included in all observances relating to the Passover. The
hired servant was not allowed to participate because he was paid to
serve. The alien, who happened to be in the area for personal business or
gain, was also not allowed to ‘enter in’ to the festivities. They were
there for a temporary season and had no commitment to G-d, the people or
the land.
During the Seder, the home becomes an altar,
under the blood. Those that are “under the blood” are saved from the
Angel of Death. The hired servant and the alien may not enter the
household because they are there for a temporary season. They have not
made a commitment to the Lord. They are far removed from the covenant of
G-d. Their pride will not allow them to enter into the festive meal.
Today we do not see G-d's power the way He
showed Himself to Pharaoh and the Egyptians, but G-d left us word that we
all have a new life by the work of The Lamb of G-d who took away death to
all who would have their eyes opened. Yet, many people reject the truth
of “life from the dead.” We read that Pharaoh’s rejection of the message
that Moshe spoke, brought shame and destruction to his family and to his
nation.
Shaul, in Romans 10:11, tells us that no one
who believes on Him will be put to shame.
Thank G-d to all those who have believed His
report and will not be put to shame, but have life everlasting. We have
heard from what was spoken to us by those whom G-d sent to us. Let us
walk in the life that we have been given. A life of Holiness, a life that
is willing to reach those that G-d brings to us that they may enter and
eat of the Festive Meal as well.
Shavua Tov
Rabbi Z.
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