“The Israelites walked through the sea on dry ground with the waters a wall to the right and to the left. The Egyptians came after them in full pursuit, every horse and chariot and driver of Pharaoh racing into the middle of the sea. It was now the morning watch. God looked down from the Pillar of Fire and Cloud on the Egyptian army and threw them into a panic. He clogged the wheels of their chariots; they were stuck in the mud. The Egyptians said, “Run from Israel! God is fighting on their side and against Egypt!”
Exodus 14:22-25 MSG
The Israelites were finally free from Pharaoh’s grasp, or so they thought. While they were fleeing Egypt I’m sure in their eyes everything appeared to be going well. Pharaoh released them, so surely this had to be the easy part of the journey, right?
When they reached the water’s edge and looked back, they could see Pharaoh and his army hot on their heels. When they turned around facing forward again, all they could see for miles was water. This had to be the end. Grumbling and complaining to Moses, they cried out in fear for their lives. Of course, as God does, He provided a way of escape through the splitting of the sea.
The Egyptians followed the Israelites in, also getting to experience walking on dry ground between two walls of water. So what is the difference between these two outcomes, and how can two groups of people be in an identical situation, but have two very different responses? The Israelites looked forward, and recognized the wonder of it all, while the Egyptians were blinded by their rage and bitterness and failed to grasp what was happening all around them.
We must be careful that we aren’t consumed with anything other than God so that we do not miss the miracle He is performing right in front of our eyes. If we are filled with the wrong things (hate, unforgiveness, vengeance) we will miss seeing and experiencing the provision that God so desires to give to us. He is a God who always fights for, and provides for His children, we just have to be sure that we are pursuing Him and Him only.
1 Comment
Reminds me of my “new convert” status…fleeing..gathered..lead out..fearful..looking back and excited.. all on the day I was baptized. That was 45 years ago this September. I’m so very thankful for this quick reminder of how faithful Jesus is.