The first mention of a month name in the Bible is in Exodus 13:4, when Moses is speaking to the people of Israel about their departure from Egypt. In the previous chapter, Jehovah had instructed Moses and Aaron that Abib was to become the first month of their calendar (Ex. 12:1–2).

The significance of the deliverance Jehovah was accomplishing on Israel’s behalf was reflected in a reset of their calendar. There are some remarkable events in this month that relate to this deliverance. On the tenth day, the Passover lamb was to be brought in for each household, then slain on the fourteenth day as part of the Passover feast. This led into the Feast of Unleavened Bread, which lasted until the twenty-first of the month.

Almost 1500 years later, God’s chosen Lamb was slain during Passover to accomplish an even greater deliverance. For those who accept Him as their substitute, the blood of the Lord Jesus saves them from God’s righteous judgment.

Shortly after the Passover and Feast of Unleavened Bread, there was the Feast of Firstfruits, where the people would offer the first portion of their barley harvest. This feast speaks of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: “Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ’s at His coming” (1 Cor. 15:23).

The Israelites did not know the depth of truth these events pointed to, but the significance is shown in that it was the first of months to them. And the reality ought to be of primary importance to us as well. Let us center the events of our life around the Person and work of Christ.