Exodus 12:23 God will pass through to strike Egypt down. When he sees the blood on the lintel and the two doorposts, God will pass over the doorway; he won’t let the destroyer enter your house to strike you down with ruin.

After nine plagues hit the land, Pharaoh still hardened his heart. He didn’t want to listen to God. He simply didn’t want to give in and give the people the green light to leave. This unwillingness to listen to God cost him dearly.

On the one hand, this story of blood on the doorposts and death lurking around sends shivers down my spine. It’s almost like a thriller movie that makes you sit on the edge of your seat.

Yet it was necessary to smear the blood on the doorposts. This way, the angel of death not only knew where to pass first, but it also served as a sign for the inhabitants to show on whose side they were.

Without thinking twice, they raised their hands to show everyone that they were children of God. The blood on the doorposts was Israel’s “yes” to God’s word. They didn’t survive the night because they were brave or better, but because they stood under God’s sign.

God was their Protector. He is the One who was in control and made things happen. Things happen in our lives that we don’t always understand, but one thing we can be sure of when trouble comes our way, God is there to help.

And isn’t that exactly the result of an intimate relationship with God? Our lives should be filled with obedience (to smear the blood on the doorposts) and trust (that the hardship will pass).

The most beautiful sentence in the verse is that God “won’t let” the destroyer come in. When you take refuge in God’s grace, He Himself stands between you and the destruction. It’s good to know this and then hold on to it.

Prayer
Father, I must confess that sometimes I’m afraid of things happening around me. I’m afraid that they will happen to me. But today, in faith, I paint the blood on my door frame, as it were, and choose to trust You …

Questions
Where in my life is God asking me for simple obedience today?
Is there something God has told me to do that I am still putting off?
Do I trust that God can protect me when I do what He says?

Do this now
Today, think of one thing that you know God has told you to do, but that you’ve been putting off.
Take a simple step of obedience today, even if it feels small or uncomfortable.
Remind yourself throughout the day that you live under God’s protection when you trust and obey Him.