Monday 24 March 2008

Background

Do you ever find yourself getting rather annoyed with thechildren of Israel at this point? After all, God sent them aleader, Moses, who had already proved himself. They didn't knowwhether to trust him or not - after all, he had originally come outof Pharaoh's household. His sudden reappearance and his championingof their cause was a bit of a surprise and on one or two occasionshis challenge to Pharaoh seemed to do more harm than good (Exodus5:20-21).

In the end however, thanks to the persistence of Moses, theIsraelites were able to leave Egypt. But for now, in this part oftheir journey, they are trapped between Pharaoh's army and the sea,and instantly they turn upon Moses. "What have you done to us?"they say.

Put yourself in their place. All right, life in Egypt was aback-breaking grind, but at least it was life. All that looms aheadseems to be a choice of death by drowning or death by the sword.Thanks a lot, Moses!

But Moses knows where they've been. He struggled with his owncalling at first and had to be a witness to God's power before hecould fulfil that calling. God had to enlarge Moses' vision byshowing him that the things which Moses was capable of were not thelimits of what could be achieved (Exodus3:1-3; 4:1-9). With God'spower to hand, there are no limits!

Now Moses encourages the people. Not by telling them what a greatguy he is, but by telling them that God is going to do greatthings, and that they are going to be witnesses of it.

To Ponder

Imagine standing by the Red Sea with that mightywind blowing through your hair. God's going to do something great.God's always going to do something great. How exciting does thatfeel?

Your faith has been weak, but Moses has notfaltered, and through his faith you have been enabled to see greatthings done. Give thanks for those who are open about their faithin God in difficult situations today.

Is there a situation in which you need to standfirm today? Ask for God's help.