There will be a great cry throughout the whole land of Egypt, such as there has never been, nor ever will be again. But against any of the Israelites not even a dog will bark against either people or animals, so that you may know that the LORD distinguishes between Egypt and Israel.’
Exodus 11:6-7 NET
God always makes a difference between the world and His people. When the death angel passed through Egypt, there were cries so loud they could be heard in Goshen, the home of the Israelite slaves. As the wails increased, I’m sure the fear increased. The compulsion to run, to fight, or to just curl up in a ball must have been overwhelming. To do so would have kept them from the promised deliverance. They had instructions from God concerning their safety. They stood with their families at the Passover table ready to move. They did this in a house whose doorposts were covered by the blood of the lamb.
No matter what’s going on around us, God makes a distinction between the world and His people. Our challenge is to stay focused on the important things while the world is wailing, to remain in Goshen while the storm rages. As we gather to worship Him, remember the words to the church in Hebrews 12 as they faced real persecution and pressure to forsake their faith. Some were fearful, wanting to simply give up, throw in the towel and collapse. Others were mad at God for letting these things happen to them. They were getting bitter. To them the scripture says:
Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. “Make level paths for your feet,” so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed. Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.
Hebrews 12:12-15 NIV
Today, find someone who’s weakened and strengthen them. Clean up broken relationships with other believers. Let God shine His holiness in you. Inspect your heart for bitterness toward God. We will not fall short. We are going to the Promised Land.
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