Crossing the Red Sea was an epic event in the life of the children of Israel that came out of Egypt. What’s so phenomenal about this event was the parting of the Red Sea so that the people of Israel could cross over it on dry land. To top it all, the sea closed back and destroyed the whole battalion of the pursuing army of Egypt. More than that, this epic event was a final and mighty showdown between the Sovereign LORD of Israel and the gods of Egypt. All these took place when the children of Israel were trapped between the Red Sea and the pursuing Egyptians. In all human estimate, they were at the end of the road and there seemed to be no escaping a massacred. Bear in mind that the Israelites were not trained and engaging in war was something they were unaccustomed to. Whereas Pharaoh’s army had well-trained warriors and fully equipped with what was modern war gadgets at that time – the chariots. The Israelites were caught in between an unassailable army and an impenetrable sea. Nothing could save them. All they could do was to cry out to God and His prophet in utter despair. Moses’ first action was to calm the panic Israelites. He assured them that they were in the good hand of God. And that they should stand still, stay silent and watch what the LORD could do.
Exodus 14:15-16 appear as if Moses was rebuked by the LORD, who said to him, “Why are you crying out to Me? Tell the sons of Israel to go forward. As for you, lift up your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it, and the sons of Israel shall go through the midst of the sea on dry land.” In all likelihood, Moses was still engaging in intercession and seeking a way out. There is a precious lesson to be learned about prayer from here. Praying is critical, but acting after we have prayed is just as needful. After tarrying a while over a matter, we need to move out and boldly take the first few wise steps that God will reveal. Remember, after a season of prayer, it’s time to get going.
One thing to note in the destruction of the Egyptians is that God is sovereign and He is in total control of everything. The whole episode served to bring Him honor among the Egyptians so that they would know that He alone, the true God, deserved the honor. In verses 17-18, He specifically said to Moses, “As for Me, behold, I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians so that they will go in after them; and I will be honored through Pharaoh and all his army, through his chariots and his horsemen. Then the Egyptians will know that I am the Lord, when I am honored through Pharaoh, through his chariots and his horsemen.”
It is true that while we are stuck in the thick of our problems, God would already be at work in the midst of our circumstances. This is clearly demonstrated in verses 19-20. Notice here that while Moses was interceding on the people’s behalf and seeking a solution to their dead-end situation, God was already acting on their behalf. “The angel of God, who had been going before the camp of Israel, moved and went behind them; and the pillar of cloud moved from before them and stood behind them. So, it came between the camp of Egypt and the camp of Israel; and there was the cloud along with the darkness, yet it gave light at night. Thus, the one did not come near the other all night.” What God was doing was stalling the advance of Pharaoh’s army. He was preventing the Egyptian army from advancing toward the Israelites.
Isn’t it comforting to know that unknown to us, God is always working on our behalf to stall the advancement of our problem while we pray and await His answer? The knowledge of this truth will help us to stay calm regardless of how relentless our storm may be. We can trust the LORD and continue to await His solution, no matter how relentless the tough situation we are caught in. What a comfort to know that the unseen hand of God is always working in our lives to sustain and benefit us, while the outcome will always bring glory to His name. We should take heart and trust God in all our circumstances. He cares and He is still in control. All glory to Him!
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