Dry ground

By faith the people passed through the Red Sea as on dry land; but when the Egyptians tried to do so, they were drowned.                                    Heb. 11.29

The parting of the Red Sea is truly miraculous, but I wonder how the fleeing Israelites felt as they faced this phenomenon. Though there was a shorter route, God led the Israelites to the Red Sea for their own safety (Exod. 13.18). God also hardened the hearts of the Egyptians giving them a determination to pursue the fleeing throng. Was He deliberately setting the scene for a miraculous event?

The Egyptians were well equipped for pursuit and engagement, and they caught up with the Israelites. The Israelites turned on Moses accusing him of leading them into the desert to die. Moses’ response was to tell them not to fear, that God would deliver them and deal with the Egyptians.

At this juncture it seems that Moses is the person of faith. As they stood facing the impossible sea it was Moses who stretched out his hand, and the waters parted. It was not an instant act; we are told that God drove the sea back progressively through the night.

Finally, the Israelites were faced with a clear passage. To their right, the sea was held back by a wall of water; similarly, to their left. In between was dry ground. This challenging sight could well have wrought apprehension, even fear, in the minds of the Israelites – “What if the waters close when we are in the middle of the crossing?” We are not told of any fear, simply that the Israelites went through the sea in dry ground (Exod. 14.22). Where did their faith come from? Maybe Moses’ belief in the saving work of God turned them from accusation and fear to faith!

Lord, Mighty God,

Let me know this strong faith.

Use me, if You will, to infuse others in faith.

Amen.