I love the book of Exodus. I've always been intrigued by the entire story of Moses, Pharaoh, the massive rescue. Even the back story of Joseph before that. I guess that is why one of my favorite animation movies is The Prince of Egypt.
This morning I was reading Exodus chapter 13 where God has finally allowed Pharaoh's heart to be broken by the death of his (Pharaoh's) son and Moses and the people of Israel are on the move. Think about everything they've seen in the past months. All the signs and wonders that God performed through Moses and Aaron. All the calamities that struck the Egyptians and not God's people. Wouldn't you be in a state of amazement and awe at the power and full time presence of God?
Their journey begins out of Egypt and God travels with them as a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night (Exodus 13:21). Wow, try to imagine the scene. You aren't sure where you are going, but the God of the universe is leading the way. What worries or concerns could you possibly have.
But wait... Humans are stubborn creatures and the people of Israel demonstrated that time and time again. In Chapter 14, Pharaoh changes his mind, again, and begins to pursue them with his best troops and equipment. What is their reaction? "Then they said to Moses, Because there were no graves in Egypt, have you taken us away to die in the wilderness? Why have you so dealt with us, to bring us up out of Egypt? Is this not the word that we have told you in Egypt, saying Let us alone that we may serve the Egyptians? For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than that we should die in the wilderness". (Exodus 14:11-12)
I wonder if they were looking at the pillar of cloud or fire while saying this? Of course you know the story. The next thing they witness is the parting of the Red Sea, the complete destruction of Pharaoh's army, and their ultimate rescue. "Thus Israel saw the great work which the Lord had one in Egypt; so the people feared the Lord, and believed the Lord and His servant Moses." (Exodus 14:31)
In my own life, I wonder how many times God speaks to me, directs my steps, guides me in my daily life but I ignore it. How many times is He working wonders in my own life and I still lack faith. Do I need to see the entire Red Sea split in half to believe He is doing wonderful things in my life?
God, please let my faith in You be driven by my knowledge and trust in You and Your Living Word. Let my heart and mind be in tune with You and not this world I live in. God, when I begin to worry about earthly circumstances, bring me back to focusing on You.
Philip J.
