The scene from Exodus 13-14 is both traumatic and chaotic. Joy because slavery now lies behind is mixed with fear of what lies ahead. They witnessed the justice of Jehovah as judgments were executed on their enemies (Num. 33:3). They left the Egyptians by a strong and mighty arm and are encamped at the sea (Exod. 14:9; Acts 13:17). Seeing Pharaoh and his army again was the last thing they expected. After all, doesn’t freedom mean never having to experience slavery again? Has Jehovah deceived them? They cried out; they blamed Moses and Aaron (Exod. 14:10-12). Their faith quickly went out the window, and with it, their hopes. Not long before, they had believed, obeyed, and worshiped Jehovah (Exod. 12:28). Would it not be better to live in slavery than to die free (Exod. 14:12)?
This rationality continues today. Seemingly lost in their mind was a statement by Moses that identified Jehovah’s purpose for freeing them. “Let my son go, that he may serve me” (Exod. 4:23). This purpose is the same purpose Christ freed us from sin. We were freed to become servants of righteousness (Rom. 6:18). As Pharaoh returned to recapture them, Satan returns “after a season” to reconquer. As the Israelites’ faith wavered, their hope faded, and they cried out, blaming others. Do you? Would you prefer to live in sin rather than die in Christ?
They
were told, “Go forward” (Exod. 14:15). The sea lay ahead; slavery
lay behind. Which way was forward? (cf. 1 Cor. 10:2). Many Israelites desired
slavery in their hearts (Acts 7:39); and followed their heart. You will
follow your heart. Do you treasure living in slavery more than dying free? Remember
Exod. 4:23. You were born to serve the Lord.
