A Wall & A Cloud

Exodus 14:4 (KJV) 

"And I will harden Pharaoh's heart, that he shall follow after them; and I will be honored upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host; that the Egyptians may know that I [am] the LORD. And they did so."

Exodus 14:19-22 (KJV) 

"19 And the angel of God, which went before the camp of Israel, removed and went behind them; and the pillar of the cloud went from before their face, and stood behind them: 20 And it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel; and it was a cloud and darkness [to them], but it gave light by night [to these]: so that the one came not near the other all the night. 21 And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD caused the sea to go [back] by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry [land], and the waters were divided. 22 And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry [ground]: and the waters [were] a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left." (Emphasis mine)

It was one of the most incredible occurrences of emancipation in history. The Hebrew people, the family of Abraham, had been under Egyptian bondage for over 400 years. In the early years, they were in great favor with the Pharaoh because of Joseph (See Genesis 47:1-60). But as the leadership in Egypt changed, so did the Egyptian's attitude toward these Hebrew people (see Exodus 1:6-11), and God was ready to move them out to their land. 

So after a few very uncomfortable conversations and ten incredibly destructive acts of God, Pharaoh agreed to release the Jewish people. Unfortunately for him, he regretted his decision & pursued after them. 

Now, this big group of recently liberated people has stopped to camp on the bank of the Red Sea. But, as they realize Pharaoh is approaching and they are trapped, they begin to panic. Thankfully, as always, God has a plan! 

GO FORWARD!

Forward?! Forward where? 

Then it happens. As Moses stretches out his staff, God parts the sea and dries the sea bed for a road across. And to make sure they remain safe, the cloud of God's presence moves in behind them to be a barrier between Israel and Pharaoh all night. What a sight this must have been. A wall of water on either side and a glorious cloud behind them.

Hebrews 11:1 (KJV) 

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."

Hebrews 11:6 (KJV) 

"But without faith [it is] impossible to please [him]: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and [that] he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."

Only faith can see this kind of provision. As we walk in obedience to God's will and His Word, He envelopes us with His protective hand. So let me give you a couple of things to remember as you consider this story.

1) WITH GOD, THE ONLY WAY IS FORWARD

Exodus 14:15-16 (KJV) 

"15 And the LORD said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward: 16 But lift thou up thy rod, and stretch out thine hand over the sea, and divide it: and the children of Israel shall go on dry [ground] through the midst of the sea." (Emphasis mine)

Matthew 16:24 (KJV)

"Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any [man] will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me."

Luke 9:62 (KJV)

"And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God."

• Jesus commanded His disciples to come and follow Him.
• See also: Matthew 4:19; 8:22; 9:9; 19:21

2) THE SAFEST PLACE TO BE IS IN OBEDIENCE TO GOD

• As the Israelites moved in obedience to God, they found themselves surrounded by God's protection.

Exodus 14:28-31 (KJV) 

"28 And the waters returned, and covered the chariots, and the horsemen, [and] all the host of Pharaoh that came into the sea after them; there remained not so much as one of them. 29 But the children of Israel walked upon dry [land] in the midst of the sea; and the waters [were] a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left. 30 Thus the LORD saved Israel that day out of the hand of the Egyptians; and Israel saw the Egyptians dead upon the sea shore. 31 And Israel saw that great work which the LORD did upon the Egyptians: and the people feared the LORD, and believed the LORD, and his servant Moses."

Have you found yourself hesitating to obey God because you're unsure of the outcome? Let me encourage you today to trust The Lord. He will be your protection, provision, and path to the promised land.

Proverbs 3:5-6 (KJV) 

"5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."

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