Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
Salvation is God's Grace
Exodus 14:15-31
Rev. Shinoi Joseph
Long Island MTC, NY
29 But the Israelites walked on dry ground through the sea,
the waters forming a wall for them on their right and on their left.
The passage that we are reflecting on today is very familiar. It speaks about how God delivered his people from Pharaoh and his army. The Book of Exodus deals with the history of departure of Israelite community from bondage and slavery. The Greek word ‘Exodus’ means ‘exit’ or ‘departure.’ Here in Chapter 14 we see how God leads God’s people from slavery to freedom by making way through the sea. Based on the passage let us reflect on the theme.
Salvation is God’s Grace
Trapped between the Egyptian Army and the sea, the Israelites were confused. They didn't see any purpose in leaving the Pharaoh and his slavery. They ask why Moses had brought them to this point of life, when looking back they see the army of Pharaoh and in front is the Red Sea. Neither can they go ahead nor can go back. They see death and disaster in front of them and behind them.
But Moses tells them to trust in God. Moses knew that it was God who is leading them and God will never let his people die or perish. Moses tells them, “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you will never see again.”
When difficulties come in our life, when we are in the midst of crisis and when we see total destruction and disaster ahead of us, the word of God reminds me and you to trust in God and be silent. God tells the Israelites ‘to go forward (v.15).’ This has a great inner meaning. One should not go back to the ‘old life.’ The Israelite community wished to become slaves to Pharaoh again when they were between the sea and the army. But God wanted them to go forward trusting in Him.
The angel of God protected them and the cloud confused the army. But both reveal God’s special way of guarding and guiding his people. Moses stretched out his hand over the sea. But it was the Lord who drove the sea back and allowed his people to walk through the dry land. The Bible says, “And the people of Israel went into the midst of the sea on dry ground.” Waters which was the cause of Israelite’s fear has now become a protective force (wall).
The Israelites could feel the power of God’s deliverance. They escaped to the other side but their pursuers were drowned. The enemies were completely destroyed. In Romans 8:31 St. Paul says “If God is for us who can be against us.” God will punish the sinners and will deliver those who trust in him. We are to trust in the Lord, for He can deliver us from anything.
The passage that we are reflecting on today is very familiar. It speaks about how God delivered his people from Pharaoh and his army. The Book of Exodus deals with the history of departure of Israelite community from bondage and slavery. The Greek word ‘Exodus’ means ‘exit’ or ‘departure.’ Here in Chapter 14 we see how God leads God’s people from slavery to freedom by making way through the sea. Based on the passage let us reflect on the theme.
Salvation is God’s Grace
Trapped between the Egyptian Army and the sea, the Israelites were confused. They didn't see any purpose in leaving the Pharaoh and his slavery. They ask why Moses had brought them to this point of life, when looking back they see the army of Pharaoh and in front is the Red Sea. Neither can they go ahead nor can go back. They see death and disaster in front of them and behind them.
But Moses tells them to trust in God. Moses knew that it was God who is leading them and God will never let his people die or perish. Moses tells them, “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you will never see again.”
When difficulties come in our life, when we are in the midst of crisis and when we see total destruction and disaster ahead of us, the word of God reminds me and you to trust in God and be silent. God tells the Israelites ‘to go forward (v.15).’ This has a great inner meaning. One should not go back to the ‘old life.’ The Israelite community wished to become slaves to Pharaoh again when they were between the sea and the army. But God wanted them to go forward trusting in Him.
The angel of God protected them and the cloud confused the army. But both reveal God’s special way of guarding and guiding his people. Moses stretched out his hand over the sea. But it was the Lord who drove the sea back and allowed his people to walk through the dry land. The Bible says, “And the people of Israel went into the midst of the sea on dry ground.” Waters which was the cause of Israelite’s fear has now become a protective force (wall).
The Israelites could feel the power of God’s deliverance. They escaped to the other side but their pursuers were drowned. The enemies were completely destroyed. In Romans 8:31 St. Paul says “If God is for us who can be against us.” God will punish the sinners and will deliver those who trust in him. We are to trust in the Lord, for He can deliver us from anything.