A Brand New Year
TimeWatch Editorial
January 01, 2016
Exodus chapter 12 describes the departure of the children of Israel from Egypt under the leadership of Moses. That departure was identified as the “beginning of months” for them; a new year, a new life a new experience, a brand new start. The burdens of the past were now behind them, a new day had dawned. Those of us, who are aware of that story, have taken it in more as a literary experience than a literal one. We have entered into the joy of the moment, shared the experience of deliverance, but ignored the specific instructions surrounding that departure.
Before leaving, the children of Israel were instructed to offer a sacrifice. That sacrifice was supposed to be a lamb, one without blemish, a male of the first year. This was a symbol of Christ’s sacrifice for man’s sin. The blood of that lamb was to be spread upon the two side door posts and upon the upper door posts as a symbol of the cleansing that had taken place in the home of all those who were to be found there. Specific instructions were given regarding the preparation and eating of the Lamb, and exact instructions were given as to how to dispose of that which was left over.
It was crystal clear therefore, that the beginning of months was not just a new measure of time, neither merely a geographically located determination, but rather a change of character; a brand new lifestyle. They would no longer be stationed in Egypt, environmentally or geographically, no longer forced to worship the pagan gods of that nation, no longer enslaved economically and psychologically, they would now experience liberty of conscience, the right to work and worship as they chose. What is perhaps most tragic is that so often after their departure from Egypt many of them often longed to return. Return to the location, the lifestyle, the lusts, the lingering.
Each time they entered into this wistful dreaming of the Egyptian experience, the clock immediately reverted to the ancient calendar they had supposedly left behind. Literally, they longed for the festivals, the sights, the sounds, the smells, the diet, and the dress styles. Longingly, they would reach back to the temporary excitement of the superficial, wishing that they were there again. The harsh reality of the desert, the plainness o the diet, the boredom of the clothing, the constant worship services, rubbed painfully against their worldliness.
In the quiet of the night, some even reflected upon the golden calf that Aaron had made. The kind of worship around that calf was reminiscent of the days in Egypt!! If only there was a calf right here, right now! How absolutely joyous that would be! But soon the sun will rise, and soon it will be time for the morning sacrifice. If only we could taste the Egyptian seasoning in the food again, instead of this bland manna! As you can see, this group never really truly left Egypt. For them, the year was always the same.
If all that ever changes for you today is a number on the calendar, then your year will stay the same. You have a real opportunity today, to turn the page, to slay the lamb, the sprinkle to blood upon the doorposts, to relocate away from the Egyptian lifestyle. You have been given an opportunity to change your diet, to clothe yourself, to engage with joy in the morning and evening sacrifice, to let this be the “beginning of months” for you.
There is one more piece of instruction given. The children of Israel were instructed to eat the lamb with their loins girded, shoes on their feet, and staff in their hand. In other words, they should be ready to go. So the question would be, how prepared are you to start a new year? Once the Red Sea was crossed, there was no turning back. No matter how much they longed to return, they never were able to. The question must be, will this be a new year for you? Will this be for you, a “Beginning of Months?”
Cameron Bowen
