3/20

Numbers 9:14

¹⁴And if a stranger sojourns among you and would keep the Passover to the LORD, according to the statute of the Passover and according to its rule, so shall he do. You shall have one statute, both for the sojourner and for the native."

When Israel was in Egypt during the final plague, any Egyptian who feared the LORD could have also marked their doors with the blood of a lamb and escaped the angel of death. When Israel celebrated Passover, any foreigners that were among them could also participate with them in the celebration and eating the lamb. Though God had made a covenant with Abraham and his descendants, foreigners could worship the LORD and even take part in these special celebrations. The laws for Israel applied to the sojourner as well (Numbers 15:15-16).

The blood on the door-posts was a picture of the cross of Jesus, the Lamb of God. Whoever enters in and partakes of Him is saved from the second death. Salvation is for all who will enter into Jesus and trust Him. When it comes to salvation, there is no difference between Jew and any other nationality. All are invited to enter in to Jesus. God so loved the world, not just Israel, that He gave His only Son, that whosoever, regardless of nationality or ethnicity, shall not perish but have everlasting life.

God's plan of salvation has never changed. It has always been for all mankind. Christianity is derided as being exclusive when in reality it is probably the most inclusive of any religion. It is wonderfully rich in depth and mystery, yet simple enough for a child to understand. Jesus took the punishment for all that we have done wrong so that we can be with God forever.

Consider: Christianity is based on what God did for us. All other religions are based on works we must do. Which faith is most inclusive and available to all?