What lessons can we learn about obedience from the events in Exodus 12:29? A Midnight Verdict on Obedience “Now at midnight the LORD struck down every firstborn male in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sat on his throne to the firstborn of the prisoner in the dungeon, as well as every firstborn among the livestock.” (Exodus 12:29) Obedience Highlighted by Contrast • Egypt ignored repeated warnings; Israel applied the lamb’s blood exactly as instructed (Exodus 12:7, 13). • One nation tasted judgment, the other experienced deliverance—both outcomes hinged on response to God’s word. Key Lessons on Obedience • God means what He says – Nine prior plagues had proven His seriousness; the tenth removed all doubt (Numbers 23:19). • Delayed or partial obedience is still disobedience – Pharaoh’s half-hearted agreements (Exodus 8:25-28; 10:8-11) ended in catastrophe. • Obedience brings covering and life – “When I see the blood, I will pass over you” (Exodus 12:13). No blood, no protection. • Details matter to God – Lamb chosen on the tenth day, slaughtered at twilight, no broken bones (Exodus 12:3-11, 46). Precision displayed trust. • Our choices impact others – A father’s stubbornness cost his household; conversely, an Israelite father’s obedience saved his own (Exodus 12:23). • Obedience reveals genuine faith – “By faith Moses kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood” (Hebrews 11:28). • Obedience is the pathway to worship – Israel was freed to serve God (Exodus 7:16); true worship cannot thrive in rebellion. • Christ fulfills the pattern – “For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed” (1 Corinthians 5:7). The gospel now calls for obedient faith (Romans 1:5). Supporting Scriptures • Deuteronomy 11:26-28 — blessings for obedience, curses for disobedience • 1 Samuel 15:22 — “To obey is better than sacrifice” • John 14:15 — “If you love Me, keep My commandments” • James 1:22 — “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only” Walking It Out Today • Respond promptly to any known command of God—hesitation hardens the heart. • Obey completely; hold nothing back or “negotiate” partial surrender. • Remember that your obedience shelters those under your care. • Let every act of obedience flow from gratitude for the Lamb who already secured your rescue. |
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