The Passover story and God’s ingathering of the exiles today

The story of Passover, one of the most powerful narratives in the Bible, is not merely a historical account of the Israelites' liberation from Egyptian bondage. It is a reminder of God’s faithfulness, His power to deliver, and His promise to bring His people home. The Passover story, as recounted in Exodus 12, lays the foundation for understanding the modern-day aliyah (the return of the Jewish people to Israel) and the supernatural ways in which God continues to fulfill His promises. Moreover, it highlights the role of the Gentiles in God’s redemptive plan, as foretold by Moses and echoed throughout Scripture.

The Passover Story: Liberation from Egypt

The Passover story begins in Egypt, where the Israelites had been enslaved for 430 years (Exodus 12:40). Despite their suffering, God had not forgotten His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He raised up Moses and Aaron to lead His people out of bondage and into the Promised Land. The final plague—the death of the firstborn—was the catalyst for their liberation. God instructed the Israelites to sacrifice a lamb without blemish, apply its blood to their doorposts, and eat the meal in haste, ready to depart at a moment’s notice (Exodus 12:3-11). This act of faith and obedience would spare them from the plague, as the Lord promised, “When I see the blood, I will pass over you” (Exodus 12:13).

That night, the Lord struck down all the firstborn in Egypt, from Pharaoh’s household to the lowest servant (Exodus 12:29). The cry that arose in Egypt was so great that Pharaoh finally relented, commanding the Israelites to leave. But before they departed, the Egyptians, in their respect of the power of God, gave the Israelites many valuable possessions—gold, silver, and clothing (Exodus 12:35-36). These gifts, freely given, would later be used to build the Tabernacle, a dwelling place for God among His people (Exodus 35:21-29). This act of divine provision underscores God’s ability to use even the Gentiles to fulfill His purposes.

In a prophetic Word 430 years before He had said to Abram: “Know certainly that your descendants will be strangers in a land that is not theirs, and will serve them, and they will afflict them four hundred years. 1And also the nation whom they serve I will judge; afterward, they shall come out with great possessions. Genesis 15:13-14

The Passover as a Memorial of Deliverance

God commanded the Israelites to observe Passover as a perpetual memorial of their deliverance (Exodus 12:14). It was to be a feast celebrated throughout their generations, a reminder of how the Lord had brought them out of Egypt with a mighty hand. The Passover was not just a historical event; it was a prophetic foreshadowing of God’s ongoing plan to redeem and restore His people.

The Passover story also carries a profound spiritual meaning. The lamb sacrificed during Passover is a foreshadowing of the ultimate Lamb of God, Jesus Christ, whose blood would later be shed for the redemption of humanity (1 Corinthians 5:7). Just as the blood of the lamb protected the Israelites from death, the blood of Christ protects believers from spiritual death and grants them eternal life.

The Promise of Aliyah: God Brings His People Home

One of the most significant aspects of the Passover story is its connection to the modern-day aliyah—the return of the Jewish people to their ancestral homeland. Moses promised that even if the Israelites were exiled from the Promised Land due to disobedience, God would bring them back and circumcise their hearts, enabling them to love and obey Him fully (Deuteronomy 30: 4-6) . This promise is being fulfilled in our time, as Jews from around the world are returning to Israel in unprecedented numbers.

The modern aliyah is a supernatural phenomenon, reminiscent of the Exodus. Just as God used the Egyptians to provide for the Israelites, He is using Gentiles today to facilitate the return of the Jewish people. Throughout history, Christians, and other non-Jewish allies such as King Cyrus have played a crucial role in supporting the Jewish people’s return leading to the establishing the State of Israel. This partnership reflects the biblical principle that God’s plan for redemption includes all nations. As Paul writes in Romans 11:25-26, “A hardening in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. And so, all Israel will be saved.”

The Role of the Gentiles in God’s Redemptive Plan

The Passover story highlights the role of the Gentiles in God’s redemptive plan. The Egyptians, though initially oppressors, became instruments of God’s provision by giving the Israelites valuable resources for their journey. Similarly, today, many Gentiles are actively involved in supporting the Jewish people and the State of Israel. This partnership is not merely a political or humanitarian effort; it is a fulfillment of biblical prophecy.

In Genesis 12:3, God promises Abraham, “I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse.” This promise extends to all who support the Jewish people and their return to the Promised Land. The modern aliyah is a testament to God’s faithfulness and His ability to use people from all nations to accomplish His purposes.

The Spiritual Significance of Passover Today

Passover is more than a historical event; it is a living reminder of God’s power to deliver and restore. For the Jewish people, it is a celebration of their identity as a nation chosen by God and a reminder of His promise to bring them home. For Christians, Passover is a foreshadowing of the redemption brought by Jesus Christ, the ultimate Passover Lamb.

The most important reminder of the Passover story is that God is still bringing His people home supernaturally. Just as He delivered the Israelites from Egypt, He is delivering the Jewish people from exile and restoring them to their homeland. This fulfillment of prophecy is a powerful testimony to God’s faithfulness and the truth of His Word.

God’s Faithfulness Endures

The Passover story is a profound narrative of liberation, provision, and promise. It reminds us that God is a deliverer who keeps His promises, no matter how impossible they may seem. The modern-day aliyah is a continuation of the Passover story, demonstrating that God is still at work, bringing His people home with the help of the Gentiles.

As we celebrate on the Passover story, let us remember that God is the same God who parted the Red Sea, provided for the Israelites in the wilderness, and brought them into the Promised Land. He is the same God who is gathering the Jewish people from the ends of the earth and fulfilling His promises in our time. And He is the same God who invites all people, Jew and Gentile alike, to partake in His redemptive plan through faith in Jesus Christ, the ultimate Passover Lamb.

As we celebrate Passover, let us rejoice in God’s faithfulness and look forward to the ultimate fulfillment of His promises, when all His people will be gathered home, and His kingdom will be established forever. And let us pray ask Him how we can help establish His Kingdom on Earth as it is in Heaven. Dear Lord, help us to be doers of your Word. (James 1:22)