Vessels of ComfortLifeline for Today Monday, February 12, 2024

Now the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: “Speak to the children of Israel, that they turn and camp before Pi Hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, opposite Baal Zephon; you shall camp before it by the sea. For Pharaoh will say of the children of Israel, ‘They are bewildered by the land; the wilderness has closed them in.’ Then I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, so that he will pursue them; and I will gain honor over Pharaoh and over all his army, that the Egyptians may know that I am the Lord.” And they did so. (Exodus 14:1-4)

If you are like me, you remember the movie, The Ten Commandments. I looked forward to watching it every year because of the scene at the Red Sea. Something about it made my toes tingle and my heart happy as this movie demonstrated the absolute power of our God. There was something satisfying when, in my mind, justice was served; the bad guys punished, and the good guys delivered. As I have grown in the Lord, I realize that this story illustrates so much more. 

We are all familiar with the narrative. The people of God ended up in Egypt because there was a famine where favored Joseph was able to sustain his dad and his brothers. Joseph would use this favor to give his family the very best land in Egypt. They grew and multiplied not having to worry about much of anything – until there came a pharaoh who did not know Joseph. This pharaoh would become fearful of this blessed people and would thrust them into bitter slavery, BUT there is something special that happens when God’s people are oppressed. We cry out to our God for deliverance. God heard Israel's cry for help and raised up Moses to lead his people out of Egypt to their destination, the promised land. 

Let’s be honest. Most of us are intrigued by miracles, but no one wants to be in the position to need one. When you say this is the year of miracles, I am not jumping up and down. I am not dancing. I am not clapping my hands because I know that for it to be the year of miracles, my back is going to be against the wall.  This is a downright painful place.  If we rely on miracles to walk out this Christian journey, it is important that we have good understanding about them.  

This week we will pull a few lessons from the Red Sea crossing that will hopefully aid in that process.  

PRAYER: Lord, thank you for these awesome examples in your Word that remind us of your power and strength. From these stories, we are reminded that nothing is impossible with you. As I go through life, let me remember about your power. You are God alone! You can do all things, and I trust your plan for my life. In the name of Jesus, Amen!