Moses - Crossing the Red Sea
Hebrews 11:29 says of Moses and the Israelites, “By faith they passed through the Red Sea as by dry land, whereas the Egyptians, attempting to do so, were drowned.”
The account of Israel’s exodus from Egypt and the crossing of the Red Sea has long been a favorite of many children. Its imagery can be dramatic and appeals to our curiosity and imagination. Yet, we should be careful not to overlook the spiritual lessons of this text.
First, it teaches us that God can help us overcome all obstacles. Being enslaved by the Pharaoh, trapped by an enormous body of water and pursued by a powerful army was no match for God with Israel. With every obstacle, God found a way to help Israel overcome. In our lives, may we never forget that there is no sin, addiction or obstacle too great for us to overcome with God’s help (1 Corinthians 10:13). Just as He led Abraham’s seed to their promise, He can lead us out of bondage and into the promised land (Galatians 3:29).
Second, the crossing of the Red Sea teaches us that God is the ultimate judge of mankind. In the Old Testament, He was wise enough to rescue His special nation from the fleeing enemies until they passed through the walls of water. Yet, His mercy had a stopping point. He did not tolerate the hard-hearted and wicked Egyptians and they were drowned in the Red Sea. On the judgment day, God still promises to bless the righteous and punish the wicked (2 Corinthians 5:10). Will you be saved from the fires of hell or be swallowed up in them for eternity?
Finally, the key to such success was the faith of Moses. He trusted God’s Word—not his gut instincts (we can’t cross the Sea) and not what others might have said (Exodus 14:10-12). True faith simply trusts God and seeks the promises of God by living life in full obedience to His Word. May His Word guide you to the heaven He has prepared.
April 2007