In February we finish reading the book of Exodus. We learn how God killed the Egyptian firstborn whilst Israelites were saved by a sacrificed Passover lamb, pointing forward to Jesus’ death. The Israelites then pass miraculously through the Red Sea, which the New Testament tells us is a token of baptism, to Sinai. Here God makes a covenant that Israel will be his special people, and they promise to keep his commandments. Despite their idolatry, God instructs Israel to make a tabernacle (tent), at the heart of which was an ark containing those commandments. Leviticus lists the offerings Israel should make at that tabernacle.
Many of this month’s Psalms ask God for help and deliverance. Some refer directly to Jesus’ suffering through which our own deliverance from death can be achieved. Others praise God for his great works and his future kingdom, when he will judge the earth in righteousness by Jesus his son.
Romans explains that Israel is still important to God, as well as believing Gentiles. Both shall ultimately be saved through faith in Jesus, rather than by keeping all the law of Moses. Mark starts with Jesus’ baptism and ends with a call for all to believe the gospel and be baptised. Jesus teaches people about the kingdom of God, illustrated by miracles and parables, and makes a new covenant in bread and wine symbolising his death at Passover. This is referred to in 1 Corinthians, which calls for unity of faith, in love, within the ‘body of Christ’ (the church).