But against all the Israelites, whether man or beast, not even a dog will snarl, so that you may know that the LORD makes a distinction between Egypt and Israel. - Exodus 11:7
As the Israelites watched Egypt suffer under God's horrendous plagues, they must have had some grasp of their own sinful nature! As seen in their rebellious actions through the exodus, refusal to enter Canaan, and the wilderness wanderings, Israel appeared to be just as pagan, just as wicked as those from whom they escaped.
Why were they spared? Was it their spectacular record of obedience? Was it their undivided loyalty? Was it even their choice?
Well, yes and no. God sovereignly provided Israel with His protection up to the plague of death upon the first-born. He then sovereignly gave each Israelite family the opportunity to obey His word and apply the blood of the Passover lamb to the doorpost and lintel. At that point, each person faced a choice based upon the offered opportunity of a sovereign God. Deliverance came for the Israelites not because of their goodness, but because of their obedience rooted in the promise of a faithful, immutable God.
The offer of your eternal salvation still rests on these terms.
Soar back through all your own experiences. Think of how the Lord has led you in the wilderness and has fed and clothed you every day. How God has borne with your ill manners, and put up with all your murmurings and all your longings after the "sensual pleasures of Egypt!" Think of how the Lord's grace has been sufficient for you in all your troubles. - Charles Spurgeon
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