If someone were to tell me to slaughter a lamb and splash its blood on the doorframes of my house, I would be appalled. The wasting of an animal’s life and defacement of my property are two reasons why I wouldn’t want to do it. So why would God tell an entire nation of some 2 million people to do it? Take a look.

God had repeatedly asked the Pharaoh of Egypt to release the Israelites so they could worship Him in the desert (Exodus 5:1; 8:1; 10:3). Despite enduring nine plagues (chs.7-10), Pharaoh stubbornly refused to set the Israelites free. God then brought about the tenth and final plague (ch.11).

In the previous nine, God acted through Moses and used His creation (frogs, gnats, hail, etc.) as agents of judgment. Now, God Himself carried out the tenth plague. He went throughout the land of Egypt and struck down all the firstborn males-both human and animal (12:12). But He also provided a way out of this death strike (vv.3-7,12-13).

Passover reminds us that dealing with sin requires a significant sacrifice (Hebrews 9:22). Slaughtering a perfect, young lamb and putting its blood on your doorframe is a brutal act. That’s exactly the point-sin has horrifying consequences.

Passover is also a reminder of the astounding depth of God’s love. It is revealed in what He provided to save His people from death.

Israel did as God commanded (v.28) and He kept His promise: “When I see the blood, I will pass over you” (v.13). The Jews were spared, but not because of their goodness. No, they lived another day because of what God had provided, and due to their obedience in following His instructions.

How will you, out of obedience to your loving God, deal with your sin today?