How can we apply the seriousness of God's judgment in our daily lives? Setting the Scene “Now at midnight the LORD struck down every firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sat on his throne to the firstborn of the captive who was in the dungeon, and every firstborn of the livestock as well.” (Exodus 12:29) The verse recounts a literal, midnight moment when God acted exactly as He had warned. No household—palace or prison—stood outside His reach. This sobering snapshot invites us to treat God’s judgment as more than an ancient tale; it calls us to live differently today. God’s Judgment Is Real and Universal • The Passover night shows that God’s verdict falls on every level of society. • Romans 6:23 reminds us, “For the wages of sin is death,” underscoring that judgment still has a penalty. • Hebrews 10:31 declares, “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God,” pushing us to healthy, reverent fear. Living With Reverent Fear • Obedience in the ordinary: choosing honesty at work, purity in relationships, diligence in promises. • Mindful consumption: turning away from entertainment that normalizes sin. • Setting boundaries: refusing to flirt with temptation because judgment is not theoretical; it’s promised. Cultivating Gratitude for Salvation • God’s judgment makes Christ’s rescue shine brighter. “Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed” (1 Corinthians 5:7). • Daily thank Him: at meals, in traffic, during chores—every ordinary moment becomes a reminder that judgment passed over us because of the Lamb. • Live forgiven, not fearful: Romans 8:1 assures, “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Urgency in Sharing the Gospel • Judgment is coming, yet “the Lord is patient…not wanting anyone to perish” (2 Peter 3:9). • Everyday opportunities: – A text to a wandering friend – A listening ear for a coworker – Inviting neighbors to church or a Bible study • Jude 23 challenges us to “snatch others from the fire,” treating conversations about Christ as rescue missions. Practicing Justice and Mercy • God’s impartial judgment motivates us to act justly. Micah 6:8 calls us “to act justly and to love mercy.” • Concrete steps: – Stand up for the vulnerable (unborn, elderly, oppressed) – Give generously to the needy – Refuse favoritism in any form (James 2:1-4) Guarding Against Complacency • Hebrews 10:26-27 warns that willful sin after knowing truth invites “terrifying expectation of judgment.” • Self-examination: set weekly times to confess sin and realign your heart. • Fellowship: stay accountable through trusted believers who will speak truth in love. Hope in God’s Patience • The same God who judged Egypt also waited through nine prior plagues, giving Pharaoh chances to repent. • His patience today means your prodigal relative, your skeptical coworker, even entire cultures still have time to turn. • Let that patience fuel both your endurance and your prayer life—never mistaking delay for disinterest. Every sunrise is another “midnight” averted—not because judgment is uncertain, but because our merciful God still extends the Passover invitation: be sheltered by the blood of the Lamb and live in a way that shows you take His judgment seriously. |
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