Most of us have never lived through “sheltering at home” before. Being quarantined at home for days at a time is definitely a “new experience.” But we’re not the first people who have been asked to do something for their own good, even though most of us were skeptical at first.
In Exodus 12, the children of Israel were living in slavery to the Egyptians. When Pharaoh’s heart was hardened once again after nine plagues and he refused to let the Israelites go out of the land, the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron instructing them to tell the children of Israel to take a lamb without blemish and keep it up for four days. In the evening of the 14th day of the month, they were to kill the lamb and take the blood and strike it on the two side posts and above the door of their houses. They were to eat the flesh, roasted by fire along with unleavened bread. Nothing of the animal was to remain. They were to eat this meal, standing, with their loins girded, their shoes on their feet, and their staff in their hand. The Lord passed through during the night to execute judgment on the land, and when He saw the blood, He passed over that house. At midnight, the Lord smote all the firstborn of the land in residences that did not have blood on the door posts and lintels. This being the “final straw,” the Egyptians were in a hurry to send the Israelites out of their land, giving them jewels of gold and silver, and raiment.
So the Israelites were only quarantined inside their homes for one very long night, but what can we learn from their experience? First of all, they were told to prepare for what was coming. They had to have blood marked on the sides and top of the door. Did you notice that the Israelites were told to eat standing up – prepared to walk out the door at a moment’s notice? They were to be ready. Most of us have had time to prepare for this COVID19 crisis time. You know, our forefathers sacrificed so much for our country. Many of them left their homes, fought, bled and died for us – we’ve been asked to “sit on the couch for two weeks.” Is that really so hard? The Israelites that were “saved,” were the ones that did as they were instructed. They listened and obeyed. We, too, should listen and follow the instructions of those who are trying to save us. The Lord gave the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they lent unto them such things as they asked. (Exodus 12:36) I have no doubt that the Lord will continue to bless those that trust in His precious promises.
So, do what you need to do to prepare to “do nothing!” And, wash your hands! Simply blessed, Courtney