“GOD, THE FAITHFUL GOD”

“Thus Jehovah saved Israel that day…Israel saw the great work which Jehovah did upon the Egyptians, and the people feared Jehovah: and they believed in Jehovah…” (Exod. 14:30-31). 

Pharaoh said in his hardened pride of the Israelites, “My desire shall be satisfied upon them…” (Exod. 15:9). Instead, Jehovah’s desire was satisfied upon Pharaoh (Exod. 14:4).

Centuries later, Jesus declared, “For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned” (Matt. 12:37). It proved true with Pharaoh and true of all who opposed the will of Jehovah before and after Pharaoh. The song of Moses (Exod. 15) reflects the ultimate end of the wicked. They prosper initially as Jesus explained in Luke 16:7, “…the sons of this world are for their own generation wiser than the sons of the light”. However, the sowing and reaping principle applies to the wicked in like manner as it does to the righteous: “He that is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much: and he that is unrighteous in a very little is unrighteous also in much” (Luke 16:10). When Jehovah’s wrath came as the waters returned, both Egyptians and the Israelites acknowledged the power of Jehovah (Exod. 14:25, 30).

It is sad to read that, afterward, many in Israel met the same fate as the Egyptians (cf. Psalm 106). Faith looks both backward and forward (Heb. 11:1). The Israelites’ deliverance gives assurance that Jehovah fulfills His promises. It is through these promises that we “become partakers of the divine nature…” (2 Peter 1:4). God is faithful to His words. “God keepeth covenant and lovingkindness with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations…” (Deut. 7:9). What about you? 

“BAPTISM IN THE SEA: A FORESHADOWING”

 

There are many lessons to be learned from the Red Sea crossing. While encamped at the Red Sea, Pharaoh again hardened his heart and pursued “with a high hand” (Exod. 14:8). Israel was hemmed in. Jehovah commanded Israel, “Go forward” (Exod. 14:15). Two words, small in content, yet great in power. The greatness was attributed to the source—Jehovah. Moses lifted his rod, stretched out his hand over the sea, parting it, and the Israelites crossed on dry land. When the Egyptians followed, Jehovah received honor upon Pharaoh (Exod. 14:15-18). The results were exactly as Jehovah foretold.

God’s ways are always aligned with His eternal purpose (Heb. 1:1-2). Pharaoh’s rise to power was with purpose (Rom. 9:17). God purposed to baptize both nations, yet God’s purpose for both baptisms differed. Israel humbled their heart and entered in faith (1 Cor. 10:3-4). Egypt hardened their heart and entered in rebellion. When God’s word is despised, “iniquity shall break suddenly” (Isa. 30:13). Their purposes for baptism mattered.

In Rom. 9:21-23 we read about vessels of wrath and of mercy. Both vessels carry out God’s will. Pharaoh prospered for a reason but only for a season. Israel suffered for a reason but for a season. Faith must be exercised in submission, not in rebellion. (2 Peter. 1:5-11). Which vessel will you be in God’s plan?

This story foreshadows the baptism Christ commanded in the gospel. Let us never assume that Christ’s command for baptism is without purpose (Rom. 6:3-5).  Neither Israel nor Egypt was saved before their baptism; only one was baptized in faith and emerged saved. Going forward in faith will always produce the same two results: rejoicing for those whom God saves; and honor for God (read Psalm 66).

“GOING FORWARD”

The scene from Exodus 13-14 is both traumatic and chaotic. The joy because slavery is now behind them 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.