What role does faith play in witnessing God's miracles, according to Exodus 14:26? Context: Israel at the Red Sea - Israel is hemmed in—water before them, Pharaoh’s army behind. - God has already parted the sea (Exodus 14:21). The people have walked through on dry ground. - The Egyptians pursue. At this critical moment, God speaks again to Moses. Text for Study “Then the LORD said to Moses, ‘Stretch out your hand over the sea so that the waters may flow back over the Egyptians, their chariots, and their horsemen.’” (Exodus 14:26) Faith Displayed in Moses’ Simple Act - God’s command is clear, but the result is unseen until the command is obeyed. - Moses trusts that God will finish what He started; his raised hand is a visible expression of inward faith. - Hebrews 11:29 highlights this very event: “By faith the people passed through the Red Sea as on dry land; but the Egyptians, when they tried to do so, were drowned.” Key Truths About Faith and Witnessing Miracles - Faith acts on God’s word even when sight gives no evidence. • Compare Joshua 3:13—priests step into the Jordan before the waters part. - Faith is inseparable from obedience. • James 2:17: “Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” • Moses’ action completes his prior belief (James 2:22). - Faith positions God’s people to see His power; unbelief leaves others exposed to judgment. • Israelites stand safe; Egyptians, lacking faith, perish. - Faith grows through previous acts of deliverance. • Exodus 14:31: after the event, “they believed in the LORD and in His servant Moses.” What This Reveals About God - He commands seemingly small gestures (a staff lifted, a hand stretched) to unleash massive power, underscoring that the miracle is His, not ours. - He honors faith that rests on His promises (Psalm 34:8). - He simultaneously saves the faithful and judges the unbelieving (Romans 11:22). Practical Takeaways - When God speaks through Scripture, respond promptly; faith often looks like simple obedience in the moment. - Expect God’s power to follow His promises, not our calculations. - Remember past deliverances to strengthen present faith; the Red Sea story is recorded so we too may trust (1 Corinthians 10:11). |
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