September 14

"They were thrust out of Egypt, and could not tarry." Exodus 12:39

All who are saved by grace are redeemed by the blood. Let us remember, however, that like the Israelites, once we have been redeemed we must make our exit. The atoning blood not only divides the living from the dead; it also separates God’s children from bondage to the world. The Israelites killed the lamb before midnight and after they had put the blood on the doorposts and the lintel, they hurriedly ate their meal. They ate it dressed for travel, with their loins girded, their shoes on their feet, and their staves in their hands, for they were all set to flee out of Egypt.

The first effect of redemption is separation. It does not take several years for this to happen. On the very night that one is redeemed, he is separated from the world. He is not allowed several days of deliberation to decide that he will come out of the world. God never redeems anyone and leaves him in the world to live on as before. The saved man takes his staff and moves out. A staff is for journeying. It is no use as a pillow.