Mysty PfefferReview of Exodus Chapter 14 & 15
When I study profound passages like this one, I have to wonder, “What is God teaching me in this moment? Of course, He is showing me new things on a biblical level, but even better, a sharper view of Him!
The first part of our Exodus study, chapters 1-18, by Jen Wilken, is wrapping up this week. Israel has survived the ten plagues and a new nation is born. The institution of Passover takes place as the firstborn is delivered from death with the blood of the lamb splayed over the doorpost. God is faithful and true to his word, not only in the passing over of the death angel, but also in Abraham’s descendants multiplying and becoming a great nation.
Exodus 12:37 says, “And the people of Israel journeyed from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand men on foot, besides women and children.”
.” It is reasoned there were about a million people leaving Egypt at the time of the Exodus. As this multitude faces the tremendous Red Sea with Pharaoh and his army in hot pursuit, they feel trapped. If you want a fresh word on how earthly circumstances look bleak and impossible to us, yet well under control in the hands of God, take a moment to reread Exodus 14, and revel in the glory of God’s power and provision.
We see they are not trapped at all! I love how the glory of God shines in the darkest of times for them and us!
“The Lord said to Moses, ‘Why do you cry to me? Lift up your staff, and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it, that the people of Israel may go through the sea on dry ground.’ (vs 15)
I pay close attention to how God works in the darkness at this point, because the Israelites, feeling desolate and defeated with a slave mentality, are terrified. However, God shows his glory!
“Then the angel of God who was going before the host of Israel moved and went behind them, and the pillar of cloud moved from before them and stood behind them, coming between the host of Egypt and the host of Israel. And there was the cloud and the darkness. And it lit up the night without one coming near the other all night. (vs 19-20).
They survive the night and are led into the wilderness. The Song of Moses in chapter 15 is a beautiful song of worship and thanksgiving for they see The LORD will reign forever.
Unfortunately, three days of traveling without water get to them and they start grumbling. When they do find water at Marah, it is bitter. We learn from Jen Wilkin in the teaching time, this water is stagnated. The ancient people called it “dead water”. This is contrary to the twelve springs of Elim that provide “living water.” Anything flowing and abundant is considered alive (Wilken, Lifeway, 2021).
Sound familiar?
Don’t you love how the bible uses the ancient culture’s understanding of their surroundings to bring home the lesson of spiritual renewal? I sure do!
God is testing them and says, “If you will diligently listen to the voice of the Lord your God, and do that which is right in his eyes, and give ear to his commandments and keep all his statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you that I put on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, your healer. (vs 26)
There are times when you and I will be tested too. The question I often ask myself when things don’t go my way is, “What is God teaching me in this moment?” Do I truly trust him to take care of me and love me when I am scared or doubtful?
I may not understand why someone I love distances themselves from me, because it hurts too much. But I can take comfort knowing God is working on them, the same as He is working on me. All I must do is keep praying and be watchful as he removes the earthly things (and people) I’ve loved above him all these years, to the status beneath him where they belong.
I pray he does the same for you! Stay tuned as my small group finishes the first part of Exodus with Wilken, through chapter 18. Then we will finish chapter 19-40 as her second part of the Exodus study is released in January 2022.
