The Path: Exodus 12:5 and 12:13 SOAP Journal

The Path Journal was created to help you slow down and reflect on Scripture in a personal, consistent, and meaningful way. Each entry is designed to draw you closer to God and help you see how His Word connects to your everyday life. Today’s passage from Exodus 12, verses 5 and 13 invites us to look closely at the depth of sacrifice, the seriousness of sin, and the beauty of grace.

What is the SOAP Method?

The SOAP method is a simple way to engage with Scripture by writing down a verse (Scripture), reflecting on its meaning (Observation), applying it to your life (Application), and responding to God in prayer (Prayer). It helps you slow down, process God’s Word, and grow in faith through daily reflection.

Diving into Exodus 12 verses 5 and 13

Scripture

Observation

• There are many parallels between the passover and the crucifixion:  the sacrifice (precious, unblemished, substitutionary), the circumstances (both happened on Passover, no bones were broken from the sacrifice, it was a result of God’s judgement) and the result (freedom, salvation, deliverance).

• God’s judgement was (and still is) necessary to accomplish His purpose. It was also loving of God to punish the sin, disobedience and defiance that kept His people enslaved. It is only by His Grace that any of us are spared.

  
  

Application

• As we approach Easter, remember the incredible sacrifice that God provided, foreshadowed incredibly in both the story of Abraham and Isaac (Genesis 22:8 “Abraham said, ‘God will provide for himself a lamb for the burnt offering’”) and again in this story of the passover. Without Jesus, our situation is even more dire than Pharaoh and the Egyptians in this story. But praise God that He was willing to provide such a precious and perfect sacrifice on our behalf.

  
  

Prayer

Father, we can never thank you enough for the provision of such a perfect sacrifice for our sins. Remind us daily of the overwhelming wages of our sin, the punishment that we deserve and the debt that you paid for us. Let the acknowledgement and appreciation of that sacrifice change our hearts, that our primary purpose would be to worship you, glorify you and enjoy a relationship with you in light of what you have done for us.

Trusting God Beyond Our Excuses

In Exodus 12, we are reminded that the story of the Passover isn’t just a historical event, it’s a powerful preview of the Cross. A reminder that God’s judgment is real, but so is His mercy. Just as the lamb’s blood covered the Israelites and spared them from death, the blood of Jesus covers us today. May we never take that sacrifice lightly, but let it stir us to live lives of worship, gratitude, and awe for the God who saves.

Need more? The Path Journal isn’t just a space for reflection; it’s an opportunity to surrender, trust, and grow in faith. As you continue your journey, may you rest in the truth that God’s plan is always worth the wait. We are praying and here for you no matter what season of life you are in.