In what ways does Exodus 14:15 connect to other acts of faith in Scripture? Setting the Moment: Exodus 14:15 “Then the LORD said to Moses, ‘Why are you crying out to Me? Tell the Israelites to go forward.’” • The Sea is still closed, Pharaoh’s army is closing in, and the only command God voices is “go forward.” • Faith here is not passive; it moves while the obstacle is still present. Parallel 1 – Crossing the Jordan: Joshua 3 • Priests are told to step into a flooded river before it parts (Joshua 3:13). • Same pattern as Exodus 14:15: obedience first, miracle second. • God’s words—“as soon as the soles of the feet of the priests… rest in the waters”—echo “go forward.” Parallel 2 – Jericho’s March: Joshua 6 • Israel walks around fortified walls that have not yet fallen. • Like the Red Sea moment, God commands movement that looks futile until He intervenes. • Hebrews 11:30 links the walls’ collapse to faith-driven obedience just as 11:29 ties the Red Sea crossing to faith. Parallel 3 – Gideon’s Three Hundred: Judges 7 • Gideon is told to pare the army down before the battle starts. • Faith advances when logic says retreat; Exodus 14:15 sounds the same note—move forward when outnumbered. Parallel 4 – Jonathan’s Cliff Climb: 1 Samuel 14 • Jonathan climbs toward a Philistine garrison with only his armor-bearer, saying, “Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving” (v. 6). • The initiative mirrors Moses’ mandate: act while trusting God to act. Parallel 5 – Elijah and the Empty Jar: 1 Kings 17 • Elijah asks the widow to bake bread before she sees any supply. • As at the Red Sea, God invites a step that appears to consume the last resource, then provides abundantly. Parallel 6 – Peter Walking on Water: Matthew 14:28-29 • Peter says, “Lord, command me to come,” and Jesus answers, “Come.” • Both commands—“Come,” “Go forward”—require immediate movement toward the impossible. Parallel 7 – Man with the Withered Hand: Mark 3:5 • Jesus tells him, “Stretch out your hand,” before any healing is visible. • Action precedes the miracle, reinforcing the Exodus principle. Shared Themes Across These Moments • Divine instruction precedes visible provision. • The obstacle remains until obedience is set in motion. • God’s glory is magnified when human resources are insufficient. • Each account is recorded as literal history affirming God’s consistent pattern of honoring faith. Living the Pattern Today • When Scripture directs, move forward even if the sea is still closed. • Expect that God’s power often meets obedience mid-stride, not beforehand. |
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