Power to Overcome the Flesh

“Now the blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you are. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you; and the plague shall not be on you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt” (Exodus 12:13).

The night of Passover found Jewish families shut up in their dwellings, waiting to leave Egypt. The blood of an unblemished lamb had been sprinkled on the doorposts of every home, according to the Lord’s command. They were promised, “The Lord will pass over the door and not allow the destroyer to come into your houses to strike you” (12:23). Some families may have been apprehensive, while others were rejoicing, but they were equally safe and secure under the blood.

The deliverance of Israel from Egypt is a clear type of our deliverance from sin and its slavery. “Now all these thing happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come” (1 Corinthians 10:11). “For our admonition” means that we can see in their struggles a shadow of our present battles with self and sin. Their Egypt is our ungodly world.

The Israelites were delivered from Egypt’s power by the mighty hand of God. “For with a strong hand the Lord has brought you out of Egypt” (Exodus 13:9). Just as the blood removed Israel from judgment, so the blood of Jesus secures us and his mighty hand breaks the power of sin in us. Yes, sin still dwells but it does not rule! You have been forgiven, but you also have access to the power to overcome the flesh. This is such an incredibly encouraging word in these days of disillusionment.

Christ is coming for those who are waiting for him, “to all who have loved His appearing” (2 Timothy 4:8). What a rare privilege to be among those adorned as a bride, washed in the blood and anticipating his appearing!