Bible Chapter: Exodus 14

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    The display of the great power of the Lord!!  When people see it they are convinced that God is above all and nothing is too hard for Him.  When it seemed like the world was caving in on them, Moses brought Israel through the Red Sea under God’s direction and mighty power.  Then they saw His judgement against sin and this chapter ends with the statement that they feared the Lord and put their trust in Him.  God directed Israel to move around the desert so that Pharaoh would think they were lost and confused.  Then he went after them with his army.  This was God’s plan to bring them to a place of judgement.  All the army was drowned in the sea.
    Moses had a very challenging job in leading the people out of Egypt and through the desert.  We see that quickly as they were complaining when they saw the army coming after them.  They claimed they wanted to stay in Egypt, but somehow Moses had convinced them all, against their wills, to leave.  How quickly they forgot the horror of slavery.  But, God delivered them any way.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    When the enemy had them trapped, Moses gave some encouraging words.  He told them to not be afraid, but stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord would bring them that day.  Then an amazing truth: the Lord will fight for you, you need only to be still.  It was like a big friend who comes by when the bully is about to destroy you.  And, the big friend steps in and quickly takes care of the aggressor.  All they had to do was wait for God to show His overwhelming power.  It was no problem for God to make a path through the sea so a million people could pass through.  It was no problem for Him to pull the wheels off the chariots and make the water cave in on the army.  God had it all planned and it worked flawlessly.
    I can trust God to show Himself.  Like Israel hemmed in by the sea and the army, it is easy to not see the big picture and wonder if things will work out. But, I must be still and see God come through.  God will still fight for His purpose.  God is just as powerful as ever.  The Bible says that Jesus is the same, yesterday, today and forever.

3.  How can I help someone?
    I want to help people see that they can trust God.  Obedience is necessary.  We can trust God and see Him provide and deliver.  That is so hard to remember, but it is true.  God really does know what He is doing.