In Exodus 14, we witness one of the most dramatic moments in the Bible where God demonstrates His supreme power. As Moses stretches out his hand over the sea, God parts the waters of the Red Sea, allowing the Israelites to escape from the pursuing Egyptians. This event is a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty and His ability to deliver His people from seemingly impossible situations, not to mention His complete control over the natural environment.
Understanding that God is in control is fundamental to our faith. God is God today, which means you’re not God today. The challenges and problems we face are often beyond our ability to solve. However, when God steps in, He not only resolves these issues but does so in ways far better than we could ever imagine. And yet, people reject God. When people reject God, they enter a cycle that often leads to greater despair. We cannot expect deliverance if we continually reject the One who offers it.
The cycle of rejection consists of four stages: Stubbornness, Sorrow, Surrender, and Savagery. Stubbornness is the beginning of the cycle, Pharaoh's heart was stubborn. Despite the plagues that God sent, Pharaoh's heart remained hard, and God used this stubbornness to demonstrate His power. Jesus does not force Himself on the stubborn, and the cycle of rejection often starts with a hardened heart. Many of us have family members who, like Pharaoh, believe they do not need God. Pharaoh only began to listen when his firstborn was taken from him. Ultimately, God sent His Son so that the devil would leave your son alone.
Stubbornness inevitably leads to sorrow. Pharaoh experienced profound sorrow after the loss of his son. It was only then that he conceded and decided to give God a try. Jesus invites us to come unto Him, offering comfort and solace. Pharaoh, in his sorrow, finally allowed the Israelites to go. However, Pharaoh's surrender wasn't under the right conditions. It was coerced, not genuine. Forced surrender leads to savagery. Pharaoh let the Israelites go but soon changed his mind and pursued them with the intent to kill. This mirrors our own spiritual battles where the bondage we’re accustomed to—low self-esteem, poverty, mental health issues, racism—relentlessly chases us.
The Israelites were indeed pursued, but God was with them. The Red Sea crossing is symbolic of baptism. The Egyptians, representing our bondages, chased them but could not prevail. When we stand still and witness God's salvation, we realize that the enemies we see today, we will never see again. However, Preacher Girl, know that deliverance depends on our actions. We must be ready to run when God says to. He may allow us to be chased, but He will never let us run alone. It’s crucial to remember not just that He brought us through, but how He did it.
When doubts arise about God's deliverance, remember to put on your running shoes. The pillar of cloud that guided the Israelites provided shade and protection. Pharaoh failed to realize that he wasn't merely chasing the Israelites; he was chasing God. God moved the cloud from in front of the Israelites to behind them, creating a barrier between them and the Egyptians. As long as the Lord is in front, we are visible to the enemy. However, the angel of the Lord (Jesus) and the pillar of cloud (the Spirit) moved to the back, creating a protective shield. The Bible tells us that the pillar cast a shadow on the Israelites. While we often expect Jesus to light our way, He also knows when to hide us. He protects us in the shadow of His wings, making us invisible to the enemy. The devil can look but cannot find us. The Red Sea represents the blood of Jesus. The chase ends at the place of baptism. Satan cannot pursue us through the blood of Jesus. The chase ends when the blood of Jesus is applied to your life.
PG, the story of the Red Sea crossing is a powerful reminder of God's deliverance and protection. No matter what chases us—be it fear, doubt, or past sins—when we trust in God and His power, the chase ends, and we find peace in His presence. Know today that He is the place of protection and deliverance. The application of His blood on your life is the place where the enemy is destroyed. The things that pursued you, cannot pursue you anymore.
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