Exodus 12:21 Then Moses summoned all the elders of Israel and said to them, “Go at once and select the animals for your families and slaughter the Passover lamb.
I am a little perplexed by this section of scripture. Verse 24 tells the Israelites to “Obey these instructions as a lasting ordinance for” them and their descendants, yet a quick Google search says that this instance was the only time blood was put on the lintels and doorposts.
Exodus 12:22 Take a bunch of hyssop, dip it into the blood in the basin and put some of the blood on the top and on both sides of the doorframe. None of you shall go out of the door of your house until morning.
This confusion, I think, epitomizes that issue when the Bible is reduced to just following the rules. Instead of focusing on the event, the why of what was occurring, the focus becomes How can I follow the letter of the law of this scripture. The focus isn’t God, His actions, His meaning. The focus is on the rules, on ourselves, on how to “do it right,” a distinction a true rule-follower can get behind, but one that totally misses God’s point.
Exodus 12:23 When the Lord goes through the land to strike down the Egyptians, he will see the blood on the top and sides of the doorframe and will pass over that doorway, and he will not permit the destroyer to enter your houses and strike you down.
Precious Savior, I want a heart that chases after You, reading, studying, learning about You, understanding You more and more so that I can live a life that is pleasing to You. Help me not to get caught up in the “how do I do religion right” but instead strive to know Your heart and remake mine accordingly. Amen.
Exodus 12:24 “Obey these instructions as a lasting ordinance for you and your descendants.
Have a blessed day.