“It was a night of watching by the LORD, to bring them out of the land of Egypt; so this same night is a night of watching kept to the LORD by all the people of Israel throughout their generations” (Exodus 12:42 ESV).
Moses wrote to the people of Israel to explain the meaning of the Passover night. He described it as “a night of watching by the LORD.” While Egypt experienced judgment, the LORD was actively guarding, protecting, and delivering His covenant people. He watched over the homes marked by the blood of the lamb and brought Israel safely out of slavery. This was a night of divine vigilance and faithful intervention. Yet Moses also showed that this night would carry ongoing significance. Just as the LORD had watched over Israel, Israel was to keep watch for the LORD. Future generations were commanded to observe this night as a sacred memorial. Their annual Passover would be a watch-night of remembrance, gratitude, and worship, honoring the God who had saved them. Thus, the night of watching BY the LORD became a night of watching kept TO the LORD. God’s saving action became a lasting pattern of devoted observance by His people.
We remember that our salvation also came through a night of watching. On another dark night, Jesus shared a Passover meal and then went to the cross as our true Passover Lamb. That night, He called to His disciples saying, “Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matt. 26:41). However, the disciples were weak and kept falling asleep. But the Father does not sleep. He watched over His redemptive plan, ensuring that the blood of Christ would secure our deliverance from sin and death.
Now we are called to keep watch in a different way. We are to stay spiritually awake, remembering the price of our redemption and honoring the Savior who brought us out of sin’s bondage. When we gather at the Lord’s Table, we proclaim His death and resurrection, remembering and proclaiming Christ’s sacrifice. We refuse to drift into spiritual sleep or forgetfulness. Instead, we live as people marked by gratitude, alert faith, and joyful obedience. Because God kept watch over our salvation, we are called to keep watch in worship.
PRAYER: Dear Father, thank You for watching over Your people with saving power and covenant love. Thank You for sending Jesus, our Passover Lamb, to deliver us from sin and death. Keep our hearts awake in gratitude and faith. Help us to remember Your salvation and to honor You with lives of obedience and worship. In Jesus’ name, amen.