The Sheer Sweetness of Smeared Blood: Why I Marvel at God's Chosen Protection
Okay, friends, let's talk about something that might make a few of you squirm, but stick with me. It’s about blood. Yeah, *blood*. I know, it's not exactly a brunch topic, but lately I’ve been meditating on the stories in the Bible where blood plays a central role, and honestly, I’ve found an incredible depth of comfort and peace in it. Specifically, I’ve been thinking about the smeared blood on the doorposts in Exodus – God’s chosen method of protection.
Now, I know what some of you are thinking: “Seriously? That’s kinda…gruesome.” And you’re not wrong, it *is* a bit shocking when you think about it. But let’s really dig in, okay? Exodus 12:7 says, “Then they are to take some of the blood and put it on the sides and tops of the doorframes of the houses where they eat the lambs.” This wasn’t just a random act; it was a direct instruction from God. It was a sign, a marker of faith and obedience, and it literally saved the firstborn sons of Israel from the angel of death.
I’ve been thinking a lot about protection lately. Life can feel overwhelming, right? Like you're just trying to keep all the balls in the air, and then bam, something unexpected hits you. A couple months back, my car broke down on a busy highway during a thunderstorm. I was terrified, completely stranded and feeling totally vulnerable. I called a tow truck, but then I remember just sitting there in the driver's seat with the rain pounding on the roof and thinking of that image - the blood smeared on the doorposts. It wasn't literal of course, but that feeling of divine protection, knowing I wasn't alone, hit me so hard that I actually cried. It was as if God was saying, "I see you, I know your fear, and I am here with you." It was truly one of the most powerful moments in my spiritual journey.
The beautiful thing about this is that it's not about us being *good enough* to earn this protection. It’s about God's grace and our faith in Him. Like those Israelites, we can take the “blood”, in a spiritual sense, and apply it to our lives, our homes, our hearts. The blood of Jesus, the ultimate sacrifice, is our protection against spiritual forces, but it also serves as a beautiful symbol of the protection God provides in our daily life.
For me, “applying the blood” means seeking God’s guidance in every decision I make, surrounding myself with community, and actively choosing to see His hand in my life. It's not about hiding from the world, but about knowing where my ultimate security lies. It means praying for those I love, believing in God’s ability to protect us, even when things seem absolutely terrifying. It’s a source of comfort every time I hear a siren, or worry about my family being out in the world. I find myself whispering a quick prayer, invoking that same protection that has always existed.
It's also encouraged me to reflect on the other symbolic uses of blood in the Bible. It represents life, sacrifice, and covenant, so much more than just a gruesome sight. And how beautiful is that? God takes the things that can seem scary or uncomfortable and uses them to show His deep, incredible love for us. It's like, He doesn't shy away from the messy parts of life; he steps right into the heart of them, ready to redeem and protect us.
I hope this resonates with you, because for me, this idea of God's protective blood, a protection through His ultimate sacrifice, is a daily reminder of God’s love. It’s not about dwelling on the gruesome or shocking imagery, but about understanding the deep, unwavering love and protection that it represents. It’s about trusting in something larger than ourselves, a love that surrounds us always.
What are some ways you’ve experienced God's protection in your life, and how do you find comfort in the tougher stories of the Bible?