What lessons can we learn about faith from the Israelites' deliverance in Exodus 14? Setting the Scene: An Impossible Situation “ ‘The waters flowed back and covered the chariots and horsemen—the entire army of Pharaoh that had followed the Israelites into the sea. Not one of them survived.’ ” (Exodus 14:28) • Pharaoh’s forces were elite, well-armed, and relentless; Israel was unarmed, boxed in by desert and sea. • God placed His people where escape looked humanly impossible—so their only hope would be Him. Faith Steps Forward: Trusting God’s Path • Before verse 28 ever happened, Israel had to walk between towering walls of water (Exodus 14:22). • Hebrews 11:29 highlights that moment: “By faith the people passed through the Red Sea as on dry land.” • Lesson: Faith often means moving forward on a path God opens, even while danger still looms behind us. • 2 Corinthians 5:7—“For we walk by faith, not by sight”—captures the same call. Seeing God Fight: Deliverance Beyond Human Power • Exodus 14:13-14: “Stand firm… The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.” • When the waters returned, only the pursuing Egyptians were drowned; Israel remained safe and dry. • Romans 8:31 affirms the principle: “If God is for us, who can be against us?” • Lesson: Faith rests in God’s promise to fight on our behalf when we obey His command. No Turning Back: The Waters Close Behind • Once God closed the sea, the route to Egypt was gone. The past—along with its slavery—was buried. • Luke 9:62 reminds believers not to look back after putting a hand to the plow. • Lesson: Genuine faith commits fully, trusting God with no retreat to former bondage. Faith Strengthened for the Journey Ahead • Exodus 14:31 records Israel’s response: “When Israel saw the great power the LORD had used against the Egyptians, the people feared the LORD and believed in Him.” • God’s mighty acts are designed to deepen trust for future trials—manna, wilderness battles, and Jordan crossing all lay ahead. • Psalm 77:11-14 encourages remembering God’s wonders to feed ongoing faith. Living Out These Lessons Today • Expect God to lead into places where only He can save, so His glory is clear. • Act on His word even when threats remain in view; obedience precedes deliverance. • Trust that He still fights for His people; our role is steadfast reliance, not frantic effort. • Leave the old life behind; God shuts doors we’re not meant to reopen. • Rehearse past deliverances to fortify faith for whatever Red Sea lies ahead. |
    |