How does Exodus 12:23 encourage trust in God's promises and commands? Verse Text “When the LORD passes through to strike Egypt and sees the blood on the lintel and the two doorposts, He will pass over that doorway and will not allow the destroyer to enter your houses to strike you.” (Exodus 12:23) Setting the Scene • Israel is enslaved in Egypt; nine plagues have already displayed God’s supremacy. • The tenth plague—the death of the firstborn—will bring decisive deliverance. • God commands each household to sacrifice a spotless lamb, apply its blood to the doorframe, and stay inside until morning (Exodus 12:3–13). God’s Promise of Protection • The wording is unambiguous: “He will pass over…will not allow the destroyer to enter.” • The promise is tied to a visible sign—the blood—which God Himself ordained. • By staking their safety on God’s word, the Israelites learn that His spoken promise is as sure as His sovereign power (Joshua 21:45; Numbers 23:19). What the Israelite Response Teaches Us • Immediate obedience—They act “just as the LORD had commanded” (Exodus 12:28). • Public faith—Blood on the doorposts is an open declaration that they belong to Yahweh. • Waiting inside—Trust requires remaining under the covering God provides, not devising alternate plans (Psalm 91:1–2). Reasons Exodus 12:23 Builds Trust Today 1. God keeps His word in real-time history. The Passover is not myth; it happened (Hebrews 11:28). 2. Salvation is rooted in substitution. The lamb’s blood points forward to Christ’s blood that rescues from judgment (1 Peter 1:18-19; John 1:29). 3. God guards those under the blood. The same Lord who restrained the destroyer then still shields believers now (Romans 8:1; Revelation 12:11). 4. Obedience unlocks blessing. Protection came only to those who followed every detail of God’s command (James 1:22-25). 5. Memory fuels faith. Israel was commanded to remember Passover annually so each generation would grow in confidence that God does what He says (Exodus 12:24-27; Psalm 78:6-7). Living It Out • Trust the sufficiency of Christ’s sacrifice; no additional works are needed to escape judgment. • Obey God promptly, even when instructions seem simple or strange. • Mark your life publicly with loyal allegiance to the Lord. • Recall past deliverances—personal and biblical—to strengthen present faith. |
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