This passage marks the first month of the first year for the Israelites. It’s marked with a celebration––a meal. But it also marks the night God passed through Egypt and struck down every firstborn, in both humans and animals. This is a hard passage to read. So many people and animals killed as a result of Pharaoh’s actions. I have a tender heart and find stories like this difficult. I imagine this in a modern-day situation and the human mind in me finds God’s motives at killing so many hard to comprehend. Maybe some of the Jews, despite their delight about freedom, also struggled with the death of Egyptians they knew … we probably won’t ever know the answer to that question.

And then I read the story of Jesus. He touches the untouchable and gives healing. It’s almost like the opposite end of the love spectrum. I realize in this story that God will stop at nothing to protect those he loves. Reading the story of healing is so much easier than reading the story of death.

If you struggle with this, too, you aren’t alone. But I come back to what I do know. We won’t ever be able to truly fathom or understand the depth of our father’s love for us. It led his son to the cross. It led us to him. There may be parts of our own journeys that we don’t understand. But what we do know is that there is nothing that God won’t do to protect those he loves. Is there something in your life you don’t understand? Come lay it at the foot of the cross for he loves you.

A love letter from God …

Dear lovely one,

I know my great power and majesty is a fearsome thing to behold. But I also want you to know that as well as the lion, I am the lamb. I bring fierceness … and gentleness. I know sometimes my actions are hard to comprehend but know that, in the battle for you, I’ve already won. There is nothing, no one, or any event that can separate you from me. I walk with you in your joy, happiness, the saddest days of your life, and when you can’t see my hand. When people speak out against you, I stand for you. I send the Lord of Angel Armies to correct those words. So, when you don’t understand, please come to me. I may not be able to offer you comprehension, but I can offer you me.

I see you, my beloved; I love you. And I am with you always.

Love, God