In this episode we continue studying the Book of Exodus. In this episode Moses is commanded to take the census tax. Each person was to bring a ransom for their soul, a half shekel.

The rich would not give more and the poor would not give less because all souls are of equal value to God. Rich people sin and poor people sin.

And we are all sinners in the eyes of God. And we all needed a Savior. We needed someone to rescue us from our wickedness, so that every imagination of our thoughts and hearts wouldn’t be evil continually.

We needed someone who could rescue us from the powers of hell, death and the grave. And it could only be done by someone who was righteous and had the power of Life within himself, and there was only one person with that power, God’s son.

In the Old Testament God revealed Christ through symbols. There would be mysterious offerings, and sacrifices, mysterious laws and statutes, the people would be required to obey, although they didn’t understand their meaning.

Now they are being compelled to bring money to ransom their souls. This points to God giving Jesus Christ to all people to ransom their soul. Christ is the currency each person will have to present as their ransom payment in order to be numbered amongst the children of God in heaven.

They were also commanded to make a laver of brass. The priest would wash their hands and feet in the laver before they ministered unto the Lord and when they went into the tabernacle of the congregation.

The laver of brass is a picture of Christ who cleanses his people from their sin, starting with their spiritual leaders. In Revelation chapter 2 verse 18, Jesus is said, to have feet like brass.

Here’s the text:

Revelation 2:18 And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass;

Jesus once washed the disciples feet, it seemed like a lowly task. Yet he told Peter, if he didn’t let Him wash his feet, he had no part with him. He said, once the feet are cleaned the whole body is clean.

Clean feet symbolizes walking in peace with God because we have been reconciled to God through Jesus Christ. An angel announced this peace between God and man in Luke chapter 2 starting at verse 8.

Here's the text:

Luke 2:8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

Luke 2:9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

Luke 2:10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

Luke 2:11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

Luke 2:12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

Luke 2:13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

Luke 2:14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Because of Christ there would be peace on earth and good will towards all men. Through Christ, God was expressing the good will and the good thoughts he had towards men since the beginning of time. He told the prophet Jeremiah about these good thoughts in Jeremiah chapter 29.


Here’s the text:

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

Jeremiah 29:12 Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.

Jeremiah 29:13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.

God has gone through great lengths to be at peace with his people. He’s forgiven our sins, though they are many and exceedingly wicked.

Therefore he demands that we forgive each other, that when others sin against us, though their sins are exceedingly wicked, we are to forgive them or he will not forgive us.

If we want to be at peace with God we must seek to live in peace with our fellowman, this is how we make straight paths for our feet and follow the road that leads to everlasting life.

The writer of Hebrews says,

Hebrews 12:12 Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees;

Hebrews 12:13 And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.

Hebrews 12:14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:

Hebrews 12:15 Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;

The New Commandment, Jesus gave his disciples was to love one another. Love is the currency Jesus requires of us, demonstrated by doing the best we can to live at peace with all men.