Saturday 16 August 2008
- Bible Book:
- Exodus
"But the Israelites walked on dry ground through the sea, the waters forming a wall for them on their right and on their left. Thus the LORD saved Israel that day from the Egyptians; and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore. Israel saw the great work the LORD did against the Egyptians. So the people feared the LORD and believed in the LORD and in his servant Moses." (v.29-31)
Background
The people of Israel were in big trouble. The Red Sea was beforethem. The army of Egypt was at their back. All that stood betweenthem and total destruction was a very big god. Some among theIsraelites lost hope. Some lost faith. Some wished they were backin Egypt as slaves. But some anticipated God's deliverance.
This seems to be something of a pattern in the Old Testament withregard to the people of Israel. They find themselves in what seemsto be an impossible situation, like facing a big army and a bigsea, and them in the middle. They anticipate God's deliverance.They experience God's deliverance. They remember God'sdeliverance.
(In this case, the first two parts of the pattern, anticipate andexperience come in today's passage. The third part, the rememberingand celebrating that comes in the next chapter.)
God seems to have a multitude of purposes in mind in delivering theIsraelites. God demonstrates both awesome power and care andconcern for the people. God shows authority over the wind, thewaves and fire - all of the elements. And God allows a community tobe built through this experience.
By anticipating, experiencing and remembering Israel is slowlytransformed from a nation into a people of faith.
To Ponder
In what areas of your life are you anticipatingGod's deliverance?
Can you think of a specific time when Goddelivered you in a way you thought impossible?
How often do you make a habit of celebrating andremembering the times God has proved to be strong on yourbehalf?