I’m back in the story of Moses this week, this time settling my feet into the sandals of the exodusing people. I’m trying to imagine what it would have been like to follow a Cloud of God out into the wilderness, away from everything familiar. This morning I see a few startling traits of going God’s way.
“So God led the people around by the desert road toward the Red Sea.” (Exodus 13:18 NIV)
God led His people the impossible/impassable way on purpose. How would two million people plus livestock pass through a large body of water? How would this same muddled nation find food and water in the wilderness? Who would protect them from a slighted Pharaoh and other warring tribes? They could not, would not, apart from God. God led His people the impossible/impassible way to prove that nothing was impossible for Him. After the Red Sea there would be no doubt that God was powerful, intentional and absolutely for His people.
“Pharaoh will think “The Israelites are wandering around lost in confusion, hemmed in by the desert.”” (Exodus 14:3 NIV)
God’s way often doesn’t make sense to others. The Egyptians were confused by the chosen route of the retreating Hebrews. The fleeing people geographically fenced themselves in; a bad move for a military. A brilliant set up for a miracle.
Oftentimes, in real time, God’s way doesn’t make sense to those who are walking out His will. We recall, though, that His ways are higher than our ways. (Isaiah 55:8-9) and that His way is perfect (Psalm 18:30 NIV). His people sometimes require hindsight to see the sovereignty of His hand.
“But I will gain glory for myself through Pharaoh and all his army and the Egyptians will know that I am the Lord.” (Exodus 14:4 NIV)
God’s way brings God glory. The Egyptians were notorious for their false gods. They worshiped the sun and the river and cats and hundreds of other gods and goddesses. Through the Exodus, the God of Israel proved Himself to be God Almighty. They Egyptians learned that God was real and powerful and for His people. The Israelites learned it also.
“Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”” (Exodus 14:13-14 NIV)
God’s way requires courage and trust. The Hebrews had to face their fears; the Egyptians behind them and the Red Sea parting before them. They had to believe that God would fight on their behalf, that there was nothing they could do to add to or subtract from their situation. They stayed still and wait for further instructions. They had to have faith to set foot in seabed when God commanded them to move forward.
“The water 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 NIV)
God’s way washes away the enemy. Imagine the Israelites surprise when their slave drivers fell under the waves. What freedom they must have felt, to no longer be hounded by the enemy! They could finally walk into their future without fear of their past.
“But the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with a wall of water on their right and on their left.” (Exodus 14:29 NIV)
God’s way offers a unique view and a great story. Imagine the sea creatures the Israelites saw that day; the wonders of the deep laid bare before them; three thousand years before scuba diving or submarines or underwater videography. They’d tell their story for generations to come; how the plagues culminated in an exodus and God washed away the enemy right before their eyes.
“And when the Israelites saw the mighty hand of the Lord displayed against the Egyptians, the people feared the Lord and put their trust in Him.” (Exodus 14:31 NIV)
God’s way leave no doubt about His divine nature. At the end of the day, the Egyptians did not wonder if they’d encountered an all-powerful God. The Hebrews weren’t on the fence about His holiness. Every person who participated in the exodus or the chase was all of the sudden certain about who God was and what He was capable of.
We can take all these truths about God’s way and apply them to our story because we are God’s people. He doesn’t change. He is still for His people; calling them to be a nation set apart for Him. It’s no longer about Hebrews and Egyptians, it’s about believers and unbelievers. And if we believe, we can grab hold of every one of His promises for His people.
Lord, we’ve learned a lot about Your way today. We see that You pick the impossible/impassible route on purpose. We realize the route may not make sense in real time, but You have a plan unfolding. We believe it’s going to bring You glory and we choose to wait and walk in courage and trust. We are confident that You will wash away the enemy, that we’ll be able to move forward free of our past. We are excited about the unique view and great story. And we trust that when the sea settles, there will be no doubt about Your divine nature. Today we choose to go Your way and be Your people. Amen.