Scripture:
Exodus 14:1-4 NKJV
[1] Now the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: [2] “Speak to the children of Israel, that they turn and camp before Pi Hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, opposite Baal Zephon; you shall camp before it by the sea. [3] For Pharaoh will say of the children of Israel, ‘They are bewildered by the land; the wilderness has closed them in.’ [4] Then I will harden Pharaoh’s heart so that he will pursue them; and I will gain honor over Pharaoh and all his army, that the Egyptians may know that I am the Lord.” And they did so.
Observation:
I have been reading the bible for a long time now, and I love how. The more you read it, the more understanding you have of GOD’S character. One of my favorite events to refer to is the parting of the Red Sea. It has always amazed me. What an incredible moment that must have been. But thinking about all the moments that led up to it is not always on my mind, so when I came to this passage this morning, I had to take a closer look. Just looking at the first verse chosen this morning, we can see that this is not where the Israelites thought they wanted to end up. But nonetheless, it’s where GOD had led them. Let’s look at what the scripture says. GOD has brought them to what looks like a bad spot. It looks like a trap they have mountains all around them and the sea right in front of them. To be honest, to them, it looks like the only way to go is back to where they came from. I kind of picture this spot in my mind sometimes. Not because I have physically been there but because I have been there spiritually more than once. But I want us to look at the truth in the scripture. Looking at verses 1 and 2, we see that GOD brought HIS chosen people to this place, and for a specific reason. As we look at verse 3, we can see that. Referring back to verse one, we see that everything that is said in these 4 verses is the LORD speaking to Moses. Verse 3 points that out. Along with the reason HE has brought them to this point. GOD is bating Pharoah, all the hardening of his heart and outright denial of who GOD is. It all had to come to this point. So HE led the Israelites to this specific spot so HE could not only show them who HE was but fix this bondage issue they had as well. Looking at verse 4, we see GOD’S plan start to unfold. Pharoah will think the Israelites are trapped after the LORD hardens his heart and makes a decision to pursue them. The Israelites are not thinking there is any way out. Will have nothing to do but look up, and Moses having this conversation with GOD will know that this is the opportunity GOD was setting up to begin with. Now, if we have read the bible at all or been in Sunday school as a child, we know how the story ends. Pharaoh gets on his Chariot and gathers his army to retrieve his slaves. The Israelites panic and come at Moses thinking it was all a setup… and honestly, it was… it was all part of GOD’S plan. Moses following the LORD’s instructions steps to the Red Sea puts his stick in the air, and the rest is history… or better known as HIStory. The Red Sea parts the Israelites cross, and their captors are stuck in the mud to be washed away for good.
Application:
Every time I come to something that looks impossible, I think about this moment in time. GOD loves to show us exactly who HE is. He also will very carefully paint us into a corner so that all we can do is look up. Believe me, I have been there many times. Standing at the edge of the impossible, all I can do is think we’ll it was fun while it lasted. But that is not where the story ends. Listen, we are in a spiritual battle. But the one who holds the stars in place is on our side. It’s easy to get overwhelmed with what’s going on around you and totally forget the one that lives within you. GOD is not building cowards. HE is building commanders. Looking forward to Joshua, we can see that. He will always bring us to waters too deep to cross because HIS plan is greater than anything we could have thought of. We can’t see a way out. We need to be looking up. Nothing is impossible for GOD, and if HE is for you… no one can stand against you. GOD does not want your past to take you captive again. HE doesn’t want that for you. HE can’t place you where you are going if you are too busy holding on to what held you captive. I know it looks impossible. Standing at the edge of the sea, looking out rather than up. Listen, if we have big problems, we serve a small GOD. I myself know that my GOD is bigger than any problem I face. To me, it may look like a sea, but to HIM, it looks like a mud puddle. I trust that HE will supply all my needs according to HIS riches and glory. My point to all this is… if you are at the edge of impossible. I want you to remember that you serve YAHWAH the GOD of the impossible. Not only did he part the sea, but the Jordan as well, and that’s not to mention the walls of Jericho, the giant the sun standing still in the sky, Feeding 5000, the blind seeing the lame walking, bringing a dead man out of a grave. I mean, look at the scripture… what is it that HE can’t do. Your situation is not any different. I know it looks impossible. But nothing is impossible with GOD. Press on HE’S got you. Look up… not out. It will change your perspective.
Prayer:
Father, we know that it is impossible for us to please you without faith. So, as we stand here at the edge of what is impossible for us, we know that it’s not for you. Our heart is to do what you have called us to. What we see as a problem you see as an opportunity. We stand he trusting that you have brought us to this point to show us that we just need to look up. We just need to keep our eyes fixed on you. Walking on water may be scary, but from the first step to the last, we are not alone. We want to live a life that is pleasing and glorifying to you. Show us the next step. Help us take it. We trust that you have gotten us this far, and you did not bring us here to stop. We know that if you got us to it, you will bring us through it. Help us to see the very next step and to have the courage to take it. It’s in the mighty name of Jesus I pray amen.