Passover 2026 is April 1 – 9.
In Exodus 12, we read the Lord’s instructions to the children of Israel regarding the Passover. Those who obeyed with exactness were spared the deadly effects of the destroyer which the Lord sent through the land of Egypt. They were to:
• Sacrifice an unblemished lamb (Exodus 12:5)
• Mark their doors as a sign of obedience (Exodus 12:7, 13, 22)
• Stay in their homes while the destroyer was out (Exodus 12:22)
• Share their food when there was extra (Exodus 12:4)
The children of Israel sacrificed an unblemished lamb. What could our sacrifice be when we know the destroyer is coming? Could it be our time to gather, produce, and/or preserve our supplies? Could it be the money it would take to purchase those supplies instead of something else we want? Could it be the space it takes to store those supplies which could result in a less then “picture perfect” home?
The children of Israel marked their doors with lamb’s blood as a sign of obedience. What sign of obedience can we show to the Lord? In 2007, counsel was given to have a 3-month supply of food that is part of our normal diet, a supply of drinking water, some savings, and a long-term supply of food. Obeying this counsel could save the lives of our families if we are forced to go into quarantine or self-isolation during a pandemic just as the marks over the doors of the children of Israel saved them.
The children of Israel were saved by staying in their homes while the destroyer was passing through the land. During the 1918 flu pandemic, cities that implemented social distancing (limited frequency of and closeness of contact between individuals in a public setting) had a much lower incidence of infection spread than cities that did not. Towns or islands that were able to isolate completely from outside human contact, avoided infection entirely. Voluntary isolation is the best way to avoid contracting any illness.
The Lord asked the children of Israel to share their extra food. When your own storage obligation is met and you can go beyond it, the Lord would ask you to share with those who need it or can use it. The First Presidency has encouraged us to “store as much as circumstances allow.” Be obedient and have faith that your cruse of oil and barrel of meal (1 Kings 17:14-16) will not fail as you share with those in need.
(from “Pandemic Lessons from the Scriptures,” by Cheryl F. Driggs)
