His Blood Is Enough
“And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s condemnation.” -Romans 5:9
I remember watching the 1956 film, The Ten Commandments, starring Charlton Heston, many times as a child. There was significant creative license taken, to be sure, but the central components of Moses’ story were there, You might think the parting of the Red Sea is the scene I recall most, but for me it was the plagues God inflicted on the Egyptians. They were devastating and relentless. I watched in awe as cinematography special effects turned the Nile River into blood. This was soon followed by locusts, hail, frogs, gnats, pitch darkness, boils, and death of livestock, every one cataclysmic in their own right, but none shook me more than final plague. The movie depicted an eerie green fog that wove its way through the streets of Egypt, creeping beneath doorways and striking down the firstborn son of every family, save for those with sacrificial blood painted over their door. It’s a haunting scene, one that hits much harder now that I’m a mother of a young boy.
I imagine what it must have been like to be a Hebrew slave at that time, a parent, the night the Lord came to inflict punishment on Egypt. God told Moses, “The blood on the houses where you are staying will be a distinguishing mark for you; when I see the blood, I will pass over you. No plague will be among you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt.” (Exodus 12:13). They were told the blood on their doorways would save them from destruction, but I wonder if they were still afraid. When the cries of Egyptian mothers filled the streets, did the Hebrew mothers hug their sons tight and wonder if the blood was enough to spare him? I could understand it if they did. It’s difficult to believe that blood and blood alone can save us, yet that’s exactly what the blood of Jesus does.
I introduced my children to The Ten Commandments film this past Easter, and I noticed something I hadn’t before. When the angel of death approached a door covered in blood, it did not seep under the door. It did not check inside the household to ensure the residents were worthy of being passed over; it only checked for the blood. Exodus 12:23 says, “For the Lord will pass through the land to strike down the Egyptians. But when he sees the blood on the top and sides of the doorframe, the Lord will pass over your home. He will not permit his death angel to enter your house and strike you down.” The blood kept death from entering. It kept punishment and wrath at bay. The Israelites were sinful and their hearts were corrupt, like every one of us. Yet God did not instruct them to repent, pray, or to do good works in order to be skipped over by the plague. They did not have to prove themselves. He only told them to sacrifice a sheep or goat with no defects, and to spread the blood on their doorway (Exodus 12:5). The Israelites were not righteous, but they were chosen by God. They were marked by the blood of sacrifice, and that was enough to rescue them.
That Passover night pointed to the saving blood of Jesus, who died a criminal’s death though He had never sinned. It is because of His sacrifice that we should be called children of God, that we are saved from death and destruction and offered freedom, salvation, and eternal life. We are not worthy. We are not righteous. But we are chosen, and we are marked with His blood. It was enough then, and it is enough now.
Study & Reflection: Read Exodus chapter 12 in its entirety. What happened to the Israelite slaves immediately after God’s final plague? What connection can you make between the events of Passover and what Jesus did on the cross so many generations later? How does the story of Passover relate to you personally?
Have you ever struggled to believe Jesus’ death was enough to cover your sins? Why? Contrast what the world tells us we need to do or be in order be worthy with what the Bible tells us.
Prayer: Oh holy God of miracles, You are the same God today that you were in Egypt. Just as You did for the Israelites You offer me provision, freedom and forgiveness. I am undeserving of Your grace and mercy. I cannot save myself. Thank you for saving me with Your precious blood. Help me share the miracle of Your sacrifice to stubborn hearts. When I am afraid, when I doubt my worth, remind me Your blood is enough. Amen.