Miracle at the Red Sea

God is miracle working God, He worked miracles in the past, today and in the future He will continue to perform miracles. Miracles are actions performed by God, Christ or men of God which are contrary to natural rules. They are supernatural events which are only possible through the power of God. Exodus 14:29 - 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. The followings are discussed: God's People Fear Destruction; God Assures His People; God Miraculously Delivers His people.

Miracle at the Red Sea: As the Israelites continued the journey in the wilderness they were told to encamp by the sea, which would make Pharaoh think they were in trouble and wouldn't advance any longer (Exodus 14:1-4). Israel's departure from Egypt was still like dream to Pharaoh that he thought of pursuing and getting them back to Egypt. He had forgotten about God's presence with Israel and how God dealt with Egyptians as a result of his stubbornness (Exodus 14:5-9). Once God sets the stage for what He will do, nothing can disturb His work. We just need to trust Him and follow His direction.

The Israelites were afraid as Pharaoh and his army were coming after them with Red Sea ahead and no way of escape. They thought they were trapped and doomed to die, and in frustration they reacted angrily against Moses (Exodus 14:10-12). Fear had caused them to forget how God showed His presence previously in their midst. Difficult circumstances can make people forget about God's goodness and care so easily as the Israelites did, but if they believe that those circumstances are to strengthen and make them trust God more, He will make them overcome and be people of blessings to others.

God Assures His People: Moses' response to fear of his people gave them hope and comfort in God. They were encouraged to stand firm and not fear (Exodus 14:13-14). In the seemingly impossible situation they were told to hold their peace, remain still, and trust God. He had performed numerous miracles about their deliverance, so in that difficult situation He couldn't just forget about them. As the Israelites did, all we need to do in tight and difficult situation is to place our trust in God. He has the power to bring real and lasting peace. No power on earth can change His plan (Romans 8:31).

Moses was instructed by God to hold his rod and stretch his hand over the sea for yet another powerful miracle (Exodus 14:15-18). God that brought people that far was still available to turn their fear to joy. At times, In the presence of hard challenges it can be difficult to surrender to God and move on in faith, but we just have to do so. Problems that defile human solutions can be completely solved through divine intervention. God would allow Pharaoh to further try His power until his final defeat so that all people will know God of Israel is the One True God.

God Miraculously Delivers His People: Pharaoh's army had ample opportunity to acknowledge the power of God and desist from acting contrarily to His will when they were frightened by the display of His wonders. The Lord's presence was shown as the pillar of cloud by the day and pillar of fire by the night which made it so difficult for Pharaoh and his army to advance with the Israelites (Exodus 14:19-22). By this God expressed His dual nature: He saves and judges. Moses did as instructed, he stretch his hand over the sea and there came strong eastern winds that parted the sea.

The waters separated and stood as walls to the left and right so that Israelites walked through dry ground across the Sea to the other side. Egyptians were thrown into confusion, but they followed the path in the sea to pursue Israelites. As the last person of the Israelites set feet out of the sea Moses stretched his hand over the sea again and the walls of water collapsed immediately, thus Pharaoh and all his army were drowned in the sea (Exodus 14:23-31). One will wonder why Pharaoh's magicians couldn't cause the pillars to stand until they too would be out of the sea. Devil's miracles are like tricks, God's miracle is supernatural.

It was like Israelites were trapped between the sea and the army that was set for their destruction, but God saved them by His mighty power. Today God can still demonstrate His power among people that love Him and set themselves apart for His service. Lesson texts: Exodus 14:1-31