Discerning the Difference

“The firstborn… shall die, from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sitteth upon his throne, even unto the firstborn of the maidservant that is behind the mill… that ye may know how that the LORD doth put a difference between the Egyptians and Israel” (Exodus 11:4-7).  “When Israel went out of Egypt… Israel [was] His dominion” (Psalm 114:1,2).  “Hell and destruction are before the LORD: how much more then the hearts of the children of men?… He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul” (Proverbs 15:11,32).  “How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation?” (Hebrews 2:3).

There is difference to discern

Within a life and death decision

Which humble hearts will gladly learn,

Though others die for lack of vision.

The difference in the end that mattered

When judgment came in Egypt’s land

Was neither wealth nor praise that flattered,

But safety by the Lord’s command. 

It was the blood which was applied

Upon the doors which God would see

Which would determine those who died

And those who lived by God’s decree. 

So Israel was God’s dominion,

And in their houses none were dead.

They were not saved by man’s opinion,

But by the blood, as God had said. 

The difference then was very plain,

And so it is today as well. 

The blood of Christ, which some disdain,

Is still the way God saves from hell.

The Lord beholds the hearts of men;

He also sees their destination. 

So how much more their ransom then

By blood which paid for their salvation? 

In Egypt’s day we trace the shape

Of God’s redemptive theme detected,   

So how then shall we now escape

If His salvation is neglected? 

O Lord, Your Word to us is full;

By Your reproof You make us wise,

Yet those who will despise their soul

Will turn aside instead to lies. 

Lord, thank You for Your precious Word

By which we now discern what’s true.

It is Your voice that we have heard

That teaches us to trust in You.  

Lord, send us forth with Your instruction,

That others may discern Your grace

And thus escape their soul’s destruction

As they have turned to seek Your face.