Exodus 14:1-31
Monday, 26 September 2022
And Moses said to the people, "Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will work for you today. …..” (Exodus14:13)
Today’s reading describes the marvellous work of Lord in midst of His children on their journey to the Promised Land. In keeping with the covenant He made to Abraham and in His great mercy, God sent Moses and Aaron to guide and lead His people out from Pharaoh’s slavery. Following the plagues and Passover, the children of Israel began the much awaited journey; but now they are in front of an insurmountable situation.
Here, we can see two different views/approaches for a same problem:
From the Children of God (Vs10-12)
Being freed, they begin the journey with a great joy, hope and belief. But all of a sudden, they trembled in front of trouble- that is the Red Sea and the army of Pharaoh. The reactions that followed:
(a) They became afraid (b) They cried out to Lord
(c) They complained against Moses/authority (d) Fear of death came upon them
(e) In their heart they were ready to go back
(f) Focus towards the promised land lost and willing to go back to slavery.
They already experienced the Mighty hand of the Lord, they saw the plagues all over the land though they weren’t affected. They knew God Himself came to lead and guide them—His glorious presence was clearly visible and they are under it too (Exo.13:21-22) - But still! they wavered in front of the situation. As a child of God, when we face troubles, how is our approach?
From Moses (Vs 13-14)
Moses didn’t yet know about the master plan of God in this current situation and the people were coming directly to him and just pouring blame. A difficult situation for a leader; God had foretold - And I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and he will pursue them, and I will get glory over Pharaoh and all his host, and the Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD." (v.4). Even in this complex situation without any doubt in his heart, by faith upon the promise of God -he proclaimed the victory and salvation for all the children of God who had come out of the enemy’s slavery(V13). Here, as the servant of God, Moses encourages a group of people who are much afraid and don’t know what’s next. To them Moses says:
(a) Don’t be afraid (b) Stand firm
(c) You will see God’s salvation today. (d) The Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again
(e) The LORD will fight for you (f) you have only to be silent.
On one side is a group of people afraid, confused and who have totally lost their faith – on the other side Moses firmly declares their salvation by faith! When we are facing terrific issues in our daily Christian walk, how is our attitude towards the situation? Here Our God’s Mighty Plan is revealed— when Moses was looking through the eyes of God, the way was clearly visible to go forward in midst of the roaring sea.
As children of God, looking to the example of Moses— proclaiming victory over difficult situations will surely glorify His name through which the mighty plans of God shall be revealed in each of our lives. In our earthly journey let us think from God’s perspective and see His hand working out His plan in our lives!
After seeing the great work of Lord (a) the people feared the LORD, (b) they believed in the LORD and (c) in his servant Moses. The great plan of salvation is displayed here—Red sea divided, the children of Israel crossed over while the water returned and destroyed the pursuing Egyptians. Here is a parallel to the work of salvation and baptism for all who willingly begin a walk of faith in God!
Remember:-The Journey towards the Promised land is equally important for the present day church- a shadow for us to learn from (1Cor.10:1-11).
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