How does Exodus 12:28 demonstrate the importance of obedience to God's commands? The Setting: A Night of Divine Instruction “Then the Israelites went and did so; they did just as the LORD had commanded Moses and Aaron.” (Exodus 12:28) Passover night was moments away. God’s word had been clear: sacrifice a lamb, spread its blood on the doorposts, stay indoors, be ready to leave at dawn. Every family had to act immediately or face the judgment coming upon Egypt. Immediate Obedience in Action • “Went and did”—no delay, no debate, no edits to God’s plan. • “Just as the LORD had commanded”—not approximately, but precisely. • The people trusted that God’s word was both true and urgent, embracing full compliance before they saw the outcome. Why Their Obedience Mattered • Protection: The blood on the doors marked them for mercy (Exodus 12:13). Obedience literally meant life. • Deliverance: Their readiness to move enabled the Exodus itself (Exodus 12:33-34). • Witness: Israel’s submission displayed God’s power and faithfulness to Egypt and to future generations (Exodus 12:24-27). Supporting Scriptural Threads • Noah “did everything that God commanded him” and survived judgment (Genesis 6:22). • Saul’s partial obedience cost him the kingdom—“To obey is better than sacrifice” (1 Samuel 15:22). • Jesus said, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15). • “Blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it” (Luke 11:28). • James urges believers to be “doers of the word, and not hearers only” (James 1:22). Lessons for Us Today • God’s commands remain non-negotiable; He expects wholehearted response. • Obedience often precedes understanding; blessing follows trustful action. • Faith shown in deeds becomes a testimony to others of God’s reliability. Practical Takeaways • When Scripture speaks, respond promptly—delayed obedience risks missed blessing. • Strive for precise obedience, not selective compliance. • View God’s directives as protection and provision, not restriction. • Let your obedience become a visible witness that encourages fellow believers and confronts a watching world with God’s reality. |
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