Moses and the Promise of Rescue
For Meditation
So far in this sermon series, we've been zooming through the major histories of the Old Testament as we look for signposts pointing to the promises of the Kingdom of God. When we meet the Israelites this week, they're still in Egypt after joining Joseph there at the end of Genesis. However, many centuries after Joseph held that position of power, things have changed dramatically for the Israelites. For four hundred years, they have been oppressed by brutal slavery in Egypt.
God's work in dividing the Red Sea in order to deliver the Israelites out of slavery is not only one of the most iconic narratives in the Bible, but one of the most well-known stories of all time. God made a way where there was no way in order to rescue his people, a sign that points us to the promise that God will one day liberate His people from all that oppresses and destroys, forever.
As you prepare for worship this week, consider re-reading this familiar story in Exodus 14. Then, take note of a few instances of oppression and destruction--around the world, in our city, in your neighborhood, even in your own home. Invite God to give you an image of what liberation or ultimate rescue might look like in this instance, and hold that image before God in prayer.
Exodus 14:21-31
21 Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the Lord drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it into dry land. The waters were divided, 22 and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with a wall of water on their right and on their left.
23 The Egyptians pursued them, and all Pharaoh’s horses and chariots and horsemen followed them into the sea. 24 During the last watch of the night the Lord looked down from the pillar of fire and cloud at the Egyptian army and threw it into confusion. 25 He jammed the wheels of their chariots so that they had difficulty driving. And the Egyptians said, “Let’s get away from the Israelites! The Lord is fighting for them against Egypt.”
26 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand over the sea so that the waters may flow back over the Egyptians and their chariots and horsemen.” 27 Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and at daybreak the sea went back to its place. The Egyptians were fleeing toward it, and the Lord swept them into the sea. 28 The water flowed back and covered the chariots and horsemen—the entire army of Pharaoh that had followed the Israelites into the sea. Not one of them survived.
29 But the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with a wall of water on their right and on their left. 30 That day the Lord saved Israel from the hands of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians lying dead on the shore. 31 And when the Israelites saw the mighty hand of the Lord displayed against the Egyptians, the people feared the Lord and put their trust in him and in Moses his servant.