Good Morning.
Thus says the Lord: “About midnight I will go out into the midst of Egypt; and all the firstborn in the land of Egypt shall die, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sits on his throne, even to the firstborn of the female servant who is behind the handmill, and all the firstborn of the animals.” (Exodus 11:4-5)
It is interesting to consider just how often incredible and life altering events happened at midnight. This final act in the redemption of Israel is just one of those events — there are other examples. In the book of Ruth, for instance, the kinsman redeemer, Boaz, discovered Ruth at his feet at midnight (Ruth 3:8). From that moment on, events began to transpire that led to the restoration of her mother-in-law, Naomi, and to the eventual union of Ruth and Boaz. Of course, that developed into something even greater — the birth of David and the establishment of his throne.
In the New Testament it was about midnight when Paul and Silas were released from their prison bonds in very dramatic fashion (Acts 16:25). Consequently, their deliverance resulted in the salvation of others — their jailer and his family. It would seem, then, that there is a pattern that connects redemption with things that happen around midnight. Consider this statement made by Messiah in the parable of the Ten Virgins:
“And at midnight a cry was heard: ‘Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!’” (Matthew 25:6)
The parable of the Ten Virgins conveys the notion that we should, at all times, be prepared to fulfill our purpose and should be in position to be redeemed when the time comes. These dramatic events most often occur when we would not ordinarily expect them and when it is not entirely convenient — that is, when most are asleep. Nevertheless, we are to keep watch and be ready — as were the children of Israel and the wise virgins — to move at a moment’s notice. Stay alert; our redemption draws near.
Blessings and Shalom,
Bill
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