Exodus 14
The crossing of the Red Sea is an incident that we are all very familiar with having heard this story many times in the process of growing up. In fact, it is well-known not only to us Christians but also to many who have never touched a Bible in their lives.
The difference however, lies in the fact that we firmly believe this is an event that actually happened in history whereas others tell it like a fantastic or even ludicrous myth. While there is still some dispute over the actual location of the crossing, we believe the crossing did happen as the Bible records and the Israelites did not happily mosey across a stretch of water six inches deep as some sceptics claim. While there have been several dramatised versions of the crossing which we may doubt the veracity of, what the Bible records is that ‘the waters were a wall to them on their right hand and on their left’ (Ex 14:21) so it must have been of some height and volume.
The map below shows a possible site where Migdol is and where the crossing may have happened.
All these aside, what are the lessons we can learn from this event?
Bible Passage: Exodus 14
God will make a way
And Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever. (Ex 14:13)
The word for ‘salvation’ in this verse is actually derived from a primitive root meaning ‘open’, ‘wide’ or ‘free’ which seems rather apt seeing that at this point in time, the Israelites were trapped between the sea and the Egyptian army thus a space or way they can escape through is something they would desperately need.
Sometimes, we find ourselves in similar situations, do we not?
However, remember that no matter how hard-pressed we are and how trapped we seem to be, God will make a way for us just like He did for the Israelites. This will be a way that leads to Him as well as a way that enables us to please Him.
The way is the RIGHT way, not the EASY way
And the LORD said to Moses, “Why do you cry to Me? Tell the children of Israel to go forward. (Ex 14:15)
However, what we have to remember is that while God opens the way, we have to walk in this way.
As I mentioned earlier, the waters must have been of a certain height and the journey was not a short one for it took the Israelites the whole night to complete. We can deduce that the Israelites must have crossed over with a certain amount of trepidation and difficulty.
This can be a lesson for us today as well.
Many times, people mistakenly assume that if it’s God will for us to go a certain way, this way will be plain sunshine and roses. This is definitely not the case or Paul would not have had to exhort us not to grow weary while doing good. Obviously, sometimes God’s way is a tough way. It can be filled with thorns and shadows but as long as He’s the one leading us, we know it’s the right way, leading to the right place.
3 Comments
InHisTime
The picture that aquillofGod used in today’s blog looks amazing, and realistic.
As I was reading this famous chapter once again, I feel it also takes alot of courage and faith to walk along this path, with two walls of the sea flanking me.
If I were one of the Israelites at that time, I would be hesitant to take one step forward…what if halfway through the waters come crashing down?
We must know that God guides us throughout this journey of life..allll the way. He will never forsake us at any point of our lives.
It could be difficult especially if we feel that God is not there…we feel He is not holding our hand. Just like what preacher CAQ mentioned in his sermon last PM sabbath, God’s hand is always extended towards us.
It is up to us if WE are willing to hold His hand, to walk this path to the end.
appleofHiseye
Walking in between two walls of parted waters,
with the enemies chasing and pursuing behind.
It does sound like only a children’s story,
but then again it is history that we ought to mind.
In aquillofGod’s sharing, it mentions the root of the word ‘salvation’ which seems to mean so much more when words like ‘open’, ‘wide’ and ‘free’ are used to describe it. Yet the way of salvation is a journey along a narrow path and it is no wonder very few trod on it. It’s frightening to imagine not being able to walk with the Lord, how alone it may feel, and how lost someone can be. But the word of God is a light to our path, and Exodus 14:13 is a good verse to highlight in our Bibles and remember as highlighted in the sharing today…
“Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord…”
PS
Ex 13:21 And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so as to go by day and night.
Ex 14:19-20 And the Angel of God, who went before the camp of Israel, moved and went behind them;
and the pillar of cloud went from before them and stood behind them. So it came between the camp of Egyptians and the camp of Israel. Thus it was a cloud and darkness to the one, and it gave light by night to the other, so that the one did not come near the other all that night.
Although the Israelites did not see it, God actually sent angel to move in front of them.
For once the pillar was not in front of the people. Although it was behind the people, it continued to give light so that the people could move forward and cross the Red Sea.
The pillar of cloud was light on one side and darkness on the other. Light and warmth to His people and judgement to the Egyptians.
Lord Jesus continues to be our pillar today. He brings grace and truth. He brings righteousness and judgement too. Even in this period of grace, God does not change.
To the Israelites in the time of Exodus, God led with a Go This Way (“GTW”). Today, God is still leading with a GTW. The only way He gives is to worship Him in spirit and truth. May be the way looks otherwise bec we keep looking beyond the narrow path.
(The sceptics who claimed that the Israelites crossed a stretch of water six inches deep are more imaginative than me. No matter how my imagination runs, six inch water just couldn’t submerge the Pharaoh, his people, the 600 choice chariots and all chariots of Egypt with captains over every one of them (Ex 14:6-7, 23, 28). Can anyone help?)