“Then you will know that the Lord makes a distinction between Egypt and Israel.” (Exodus 11:7b NIV)
The Egyptians had been plagued by the Israelites long enough. Four hundred years of forced labor and nine plagues had made their mark: it was time for God’s people to ‘go!‘ This first Passover drew a divine line in the sand. Dwellings would be marked with the lamb’s blood or they would experience the final plague in full effect.
If we interpret this text through our modern cultural lens, we may conclude that God is racist. We’d be terribly wrong. The distinction between Egyptian and Israel had nothing to do with blood and everything to do with belief. Those that believed the word of God to Moses acted out their belief through obedience. They participated in the Passover and marked their doors with the blood of the Lamb. They experienced God’s protection and provision amidst the darkest night Egypt had ever known.
I’ve tried to put my feet in Egyptian sandals. I’m convinced, by plague ten, I’d be professing faith in Yahweh and doing whatever the Israelites did. And we know from scripture that some Egyptians did just this: they gave themselves over to God. There was a mixed multitude identified in the Exodus.
“Many other people went up with them…” (Exodus 12:38 NIV)
God isn’t concerned with our nationality, He’s concerned with our belief. And belief is evidenced by obedience. Do we love and trust God enough to do as He commands? Even when we don’t understand it? Even if we don’t agree with it?
One day soon, God will again make a distinction between believers and unbelievers. His Son will separate the sheep from the goats. And once more, belief will be evidenced by obedience.
“All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on His right hand and the goats on His left.” (Matthew 25:32-33 NIV)
Lord, help us to have right understanding of Your word as we consider the distinction between faithful and faithless. Let us learn to live full of faith clearly marked by our obedience. May we do the things You’ve called us to do, even when we are reluctant or confused. Help us to live out Your instructions with joyful hearts, giddy to be included in Your good plan. Amen.