- Recap: I do think that it is OK to question God. However, I do think that it is a bad thing to question God without ever waiting for the answer.
- When I was a kid, I used to get so frustrated at the Israelites for their continual loss of trust in God’s faithfulness after all that He had done for them. That’s the key that I am finding: to be able to trust God in our future, we need to get a good look at what He’s done in the past.
- Exodus 14 has a huge story in Israel’s history: the parting of the Red Sea.
- This event happened right after the plagues that convinced Pharoah to “let my people go.” Even though the Israelites had seen God’s miraculous assault on Egypt and its gods, they still felt betrayed and scared when they faced the Red Sea.
- I can’t honestly blame them, they were facing extreme danger in front and behind all while sleep deprived and physically exhausted. I don’t think I would have done much better.
- But even when the way looks hopeless, if we’ve followed the clear path that God leads we shouldn’t be afraid. Exodus 14:13-14- But Moses told the people “don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the LORD rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. The LORD himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.”
- The big thing that this story proves is that even when we freak out at our situation, God is still faithful. He doesn’t need our calm or our strength to get us through it, but it would be more glorifying to Him if we do.
- What happened next? God took over! God had been leading the Israelites in a pillar of cloud/fire and He changed from leader to protector. It moved to the back of the group and protected them from the oncoming Egyptian army.
- At the same time, God sent a powerful East Wind to part the Red Sea so that the Israelites could safely cross. For
me this isn’t the peaceful parting that I had originally imagined growing up. Science has shown that it would take winds around 63 miles per hour to part the sea in this way. Perspective: the typical tornado ranges from 40-100 mph. I feel this is often how God answers our prayers in these big life-changing moments: with a little bit of turbulence and a big push forward. - This is our starting point: the escape from Egypt. God loves His people, He works out our rescue, and His plan is always in motion even when we don’t understand. And then, He does even more than we expect!
- Not only did God provide escape, but after the Israelites had crossed safely, He used the same Red Sea to defeat the Egyptian army. So not only did God provide an escape but through that escape, He also completely destroyed the danger that was pursuing them. All through the same tempestuous rescue. So many times I forget that not only did God provide liberation from the sin that enslaved me, but He destroyed it and it cannot overcome me again.
- How does the Israelite’s escape from Egypt apply to us today? It proves three main things: 1. God keeps His promises. 2. God is so much more powerful than anything else we could worship. 3. He cares about and protects us.
- Joshua 1:9- Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.
- Isaiah 43:1-4- But now, O Jacob, listen to the LORD who created you. O Israel, the one who formed you says “DO not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name, you are mine. When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Saviour. I gave Egypt as a ransom for your freedom. I gave Ethiopia and Seba in your place. Others were given in exchange for you. I traded their lives for yours because you are precious to me. You are honored, and I love you.”
Subscribe
Leave a Comment