Exodus 14 – Fear and Deliverance
The people of Israel are trapped between the Red Sea and Pharaoh’s army. There seems to be no way out.
In verse 10 we are told that they fear greatly. We can sympathize with that. Who wouldn’t be afraid?
And then they complain, verse 11-12. They complain to Moses. In fact they blame Moses. Fear often leads to complaining, or shifting the blame to others.
This is because they have forgotten. Look again at verse 12, “It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness.” Really? Would it have been better to serve in Egypt. Those years of slavery, the hardship, the killing of the infant boys, making bricks. Would that have been better than following God’s commands?
Sometimes when we are caught between the forces of darkness and our difficult circumstances we can fear, complain and forget!
God now gives 3 commands to the people. Do not be afraid. Stand firm. Go forward. We are not to be rooted to the spot in fear, but we are to be firm, living for Jesus Christ.
The Sea parts in two. The pillar of cloud moves from the front to the rear to divided the people from the Egyptians. All the people of Israel cross over. Not one was left behind, not one was destroyed, not one was lost.
God brings the people of Israel through the Red Sea and brings full and final judgment on his enemies.
This great deliverance is a picture of our salvation in Jesus Christ. For all who are in Christ we pass through. We cross over. God will fight for us. Do not fear, do not grumble, do not complain, do not forget. Stand firm and continue to walk with Christ. There is a triumphant deliverance for all who pass through in Christ Jesus.
Questions
- Are there any times when you have been between 2 difficult situations?
- How are we to respond when we find ourselves in such situations?
Prayer Points
- Pray that instead of fearing you would trust the Lord.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.