Exodus 13 & 14: Will You Stand Still?
Verse of the Day: (14:13) And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever.
1. Sanctify (13:1-22)
Sanctify unto me all the firstborn, whatsoever openeth the womb among the children of Israel, both of man and of beast: it is mine. (13:2)
God commanded Moses to sanctify the firstborn of both men and beasts for His service, as they were spared from death, while all the firstborn of the Egyptians were killed because of their disobedience. However, even after the death of his firstborn, Pharaoh continued to harden his heart, and refused to repent, and even went on to lead his army to pursue and kill the Hebrews whom they had freed earlier. However, God was with the Hebrews as a pillar of cloud by day to lead them the way, and a pillar of fire by night to give them light. Indeed, God is always with His people because He truly loves them.
2. Stand (14:1-14)
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. (14:22)
God will make a way when there seems no way. Moses and the Hebrews were desperately trapped as in front of them was the Red sea, while behind them were the pursuing Egyptians. The Hebrews began to cry out to God, and then blamed Moses, their leader, that he was the one who had led them into this mess, and that they shall surely die in the wilderness as if there was no grave in Egypt. They regretted following Moses, and wished that they were back in Egypt serving the Egyptians. However, by faith, Moses commanded Israel to fear not, and stand still, and see the salvation of God upon them. God then promised Moses that He shall open the Red sea when he lift up his rod, and stretch out his hand over it. Indeed as Moses stretched out his hand, God opened the Red sea by a strong east wind all that night, and Israel miraculously crossed it to the other side as if it was dry land, while witnessing the wall of waters on both sides of their way.
3. Save (14:15-31)
Thus the LORD saved Israel that day out of the hand of the Egyptians; and Israel saw the Egyptians dead upon the sea shore. (14:30)
God miraculously saved Israel because of His everlasting mercy and amazing grace as well as the faith of Moses and Israel. (Hebrews 11:29). However, God destroyed Pharaoh and the Egyptians as He closed the Red sea and drowned them because they rebelled and rejected Him. On that day, Israel feared God, and believed in Him, as well as his servant Moses, and knew that their God, the God of Israel, was indeed the one and true God.
Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, please help me to stand still and fully trust and obey You.
