Then they are to take some of the blood and put it on the sides and tops of the doorframes of the houses where they eat the lambs. (8)That same night they are to eat the meat roasted over the fire, along with bitter herbs, and bread made without yeast. (9)Do not eat the meat raw or boiled in water, but roast it over a fire—with the head, legs and internal organs. (10)Do not leave any of it till morning; if some is left till morning, you must burn it. (11)This is how you are to eat it: with your cloak tucked into your belt, your sandals on your feet and your staff in your hand. Eat it in haste; it is the Lord’s Passover. (12)“On that same night I will pass through Egypt and strike down every firstborn of both people and animals, and I will bring judgment on all the gods of Egypt. I am the Lord. (13)The blood will be a sign for you on the houses where you are, and when I see the blood, I will pass over you. No destructive plague will touch you when I strike Egypt.

Exodus 12:7- 13

After the river ran red, frogs blanketed the ground, lice and flies swarmed, the cattle died, the boils burst, thunder rolled, hail fell, locusts devoured, and the darkness rolled in…

Pharaoh’s grip still held. The Hebrews hoped. And God spoke.

The Hebrews dug roughs in the doorways of their homes. The blood of the lambs pooled there. The brushes were dipped and the door frames were painted red. Bottom to top. Left to right. Home after home obeying – trusting the One who gave the bizarre orders.

Every house covered – atoned – in the blood of the lambs. And when Death arrived – just as promised – he passed over.

I have a hard time trusting. I don’t need a reason to be skeptical – I just am. Of course sometimes there is good reason to be: When I’ve been hurt, disappointed, betrayed, lied to, neglected, belittled, manipulated… The best predictor of future behavior is past behavior, after all.

But why then wouldn’t I trust God?

I’ve seen the river run red, frogs blanket the ground, lice and flies swarm, the cattle die, the boils burst, thunder roll, hail fall, locusts devour, and the darkness roll in…and the lamb’s blood drip from the doorposts and Death pass over.

God give us faith – that You truly are the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.

Reflection

• Make a list of three answered prayers or three times God delivered you from darkness?

Our Prayer

O God, around me, is too much darkness, division, and disappointment.

Inside of me, there is too much uncertainty and fear.

I’m struggling to trust you with my future. So remind me of all You’ve done and been in my past.

Amen.