Exodus 14:13, 14 - When He Leads Us Through.
Exodus 14:13, 14 (NLT) But Moses told the
people, Dont be afraid. Just stand still and
watch the Lord rescue you today. The Egyptians you
see today will never be seen again. 14 The Lord
himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.
Exodus 14:13, 14 (CWR) Moses assured the
people by saying, "Don't be afraid! Stand your
ground, and you'll see what our God will do to save
you. The Lord will deliver you from the hands of
Pharaoh and you will never see him or his men again.
14 The Lord will fight for you. All you have to
do is to stand still and watch."
COMMENTARY PEARL
There was no way the Israelites could get
across the Red Sea. And if that wasnt bad
enough, the Egyptian army was in hot pursuit.
The people got so upset that they turned
to Moses and said, Why did you bring us out
here to die in the wilderness? Werent there
enough graves for us in Egypt? What have you done
to us? Why did you make us leave Egypt?
(Exodus 14:11 NLT).
You know the rest of the story. The Lord
caused the waters of the Red Sea to part, and the
Israelites crossed through on dry ground. Then those
same waters closed on the pursuing Egyptian
army.
God didnt keep the Israelites from the
trial, but He kept them through it.
The same is true of the three courageous
teenagers Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. King
Nebuchadnezzar had them thrown into a fiery furnace because
they wouldnt worship a false god.
Of course, God could have delivered them
from the furnace altogether. Instead, He allowed
them to be thrown into the furnace. But when the
king looked in, he said, I see four men,
unbound, walking around in the fire unharmed! And the
fourth looks like a god! (Daniel 3:25 NLT).
Again, we see that the Lord kept them
through the trial but not necessarily from it.
But what about when an accident or a
tragedy happens in the life of a child of God?
Wheres the keeping power of God then? In asking a
question like that, were assuming that we somehow
have the inherent right to live long, easy lives
and die peacefully in our sleep one day.
The Bible says that our future is in
[His] hands (Psalm 31:15 NLT). This means that
the Lord will walk with us through life, no
matter what were facing. Well never be alone.
[Greg Laurie from Harvest Ministries;
https://www.harvestdaily.com]
COMMENTARY
Faith Demonstrated.
It was by faith that they passed
through the Red Sea as by dry land. Hebrews
11:29. In marching down to the very water, they
showed that they believed the word of God as spoken
by Moses. They did all that was in their power
to do, and then the Mighty One of Israel
divided the sea to make a path for their feet. PP290
[Remnant SB re vss. 15, 16]
Walking by Faith, Not Sight
God in His providence brought the Hebrews
into the mountain fastnesses before the sea, that
He might manifest His power in their
deliverance and signally humble the pride of their
oppressors. He might have saved them in any other way,
but He chose this method in order to test their
faith and strengthen their trust in Him. The
people were weary and terrified, yet if they had
held back when Moses bade them advance, God would
never have opened the path for them. It was by
faith that they passed through the Red Sea as
by dry land. Hebrews 11:29. In marching down
to the very water, they showed that they
believed the word of God as spoken by Moses. They did
all that was in their power to do, and then the
Mighty One of Israel divided the sea to make a path
for their feet.
The great lesson here taught is for all
time. Often the Christian life is beset by
dangers, and duty seems hard to perform. The
imagination pictures impending ruin before and bondage
or death behind. Yet the voice of God speaks
clearly, Go forward. We should obey this
command, even though our eyes cannot penetrate the
darkness, and we feel the cold waves about our feet.
The obstacles that hinder our progress will
never disappear before a halting, doubting spirit.
Those who defer obedience till every shadow of
uncertainty disappears and there remains no risk of
failure or defeat, will never obey at all. Unbelief
whispers, Let us wait till the obstructions are
removed, and we can see our way clearly; but faith
courageously urges an advance, hoping all things,
believing all things. PP290 [Remnant SB re vss.
13-16]
Little children don't always know what's
best for them. If you don't believe that, just
turn a child loose in an unfenced yard near a
busy intersection . . . or leave your medicine
cabinet unlocked. No, children don't have the wisdom
of adults. That's why God provides parents: to
help children survive to adulthood.
When the Israelites left Egypt, they were
like a large band of children, not knowing what
was best for them. But, like a loving father,
God provided guidance, protection, food, water,
and instruction to teach them how to enjoy a
"grown up" relationship with Him. Patiently and
thoroughly He showed them what it meant to rely on God
in every facet of life, to depend upon His
daily provision.
Has God placed you in a wilderness
situation? Remember, you are there to learn a lesson in
trusting God. Attach a safety pin to your lapel or
collar today as a reminder of your dependence upon
the Father. (It might even give you an
opportunity to witness!) [Your Daily Walk SB]
Is this really true? Does God lead His
children in this way? I want to listen with you to
that which the Holy Spirit has to tell us about
guidance, for this is sometimes a problem for me, as
for many people. There are many who say, "I
never hear anything when asking for guidance."
But then my question is, "Do you listen?"
Sometimes we have to wait for the Lord, but this
waiting can be a blessing in itself, if we do it in
the presence of the Lord. Our quiet time is
helpful for this.
If you want to hear God's voice clearly
and you are uncertain, then remain in His
presence until He changes this uncertainty. Often
much can happen during this waiting for the Lord.
Sometimes He changes pride into humility; doubt into
faith and peace; sometimes lust into purity. The
Lord can and will do it.
We must also understand that sometimes
the silence of the Lord is His way of letting us
grow, just as a mother allows her child to fall
and get up again when he is learning to walk. If
at times God allows a conflict, it may be his
way of training us. (Not I but Christ by Corrie
ten Boom) [Inspirational SB]
Verse 13 contains God's command to me as
a believer for those times when I am
confronted with dire circumstances and extraordinary
difficulties. What am I to do when I cannot retreat or go
forward and my way is blocked to the right and to
the left?
The Master's word to me is, "Stand firm."
And the best thing I can do at these times is to
listen only to my Master's word, for others will
come to me with their suggestions and evil
advice.
DESPAIR will come, whispering, "Give up -
lie down and die." But even in the worst of
times, God would have me be cheerful and
courageous, rejoicing in His love and faithfulness.
COWARDICE will come and say, "You must
retreat to the world's ways of acting. It is too
difficult for you to continue living the part of a
Christian. Abandon your principles." Yet no matter how
much Satan may pressure me to follow his course,
I cannot, for I am a child of God. The Lord's
divine decree has commanded me to go from "strength
to strength" (Ps. 84:7). Therefore I will, and
neither death nor hell will turn me from my course.
And if for a season He calls me to "stand firm,"
I will acknowledge it as time to renew my
strength for greater strides in the future.
IMPATIENCE will come, crying, "Get up and
do something! To 'stand firm' and wait is sheer
idleness." Why is it I think I must be doing something
right now instead of looking to the Lord? He will
not only do something - He will do everything.
ARROGANCE will come, boasting, "If the
sea is blocking your way, march right into it
and expect a miracle." Yet true faith never
listens to arrogance, impatience, cowardice, or
despair but only hears God saying, "Stand firm." And
then it stands as immovable as a rock.
"STAND FIRM." I must maintain the posture
of one who stands, ready for action, expecting
further orders, and cheerfully and patiently
awaiting the Director's voice. It will not be long
until God will say to me, as distinctly as He told
Moses to tell the children of Israel, "Move on"
(Ex. 14:15). Charles H. Spurgeon
In times of uncertainty - wait. If you
have any doubt - wait, never forcing yourself
into action. If you sense any restraint in your
spirit, do not go against it - wait until the way is
clear. [Streams In The Desert By Cowman]
EXAMPLES
Heavenly Defender
College rush week was ending with a
beautiful candlelight initiation, and I was kneeling
in prayer with other freshmen girls being
inducted into the literary society I had chosen. The
president whispered to each girl a prayerfully
selected, individual Scripture verse. The one she gave
me, Exodus 14:14, has assisted me in amazing
situations in the fifty years since.
I often get my tongue tangled up, or the
right word just won't come to mind, so when
attempting to witness for Christ or even to give a
witty response in social situations, I find myself
feeling helpless and ineffective. As I've prayed for
God to endow me with eloquence and
expressiveness, his answer has come in unexpected ways. Many
times when I'm having difficulty in a
conversation, a dear friend or colleague will step in
respectfully and clarify the message I had hoped to
convey. Or someone may come to my defense verbally
or even physically.
The Lord does indeed fight for me at
times, and in response, I find I can do nothing
other than hold my peace.
Elaine Carr, pastor's wife, retired after
sharing in her husband's church planting and
pastoral work for fifty years. [The One Year Bible
Live Verse Devotional re Exo. 14:14]
Louder Than Words
I met Christ at forty-one. I had two
loving parents, but their religion seemed to be the
gospel of persistence and hard work. For years I
was told those two virtues could solve any
problem, but as an adult I found that just wasn't
true. Our son's substance abuse brought me to my
knees and to the foot of the cross.
When I accepted Christ, I wanted to share
my faith with everyone, but especially with my
husband. I offered him a taste: "Hey," I said, "I've
discovered the greatest thing since sliced bread." "Try
some," I would insist. Despite his clear
disinterest, I persisted, unsuccessfully shoving my faith
down his throat. Instead of love, I communicated
disrespect and false righteousness.
Then I read Exodus 14:14, and a
five-hundred-watt lightbulb went on. The verse said, "You need
only to be still.' Could I possibly do that? The
Message takes it even a step further. It says, "You
keep your mouths shut!" The words of St. Francis
of Assisi came to mind: "Preach the gospel at
all times, and if necessary use words." My
transformation from obnoxious zealot to quiet, gentle
witness began.
My husband recently commented, "Kathy, I
really like the person you're becoming." His words
surprised me, and I think he even surprised himself.
Just a few months ago he never would have said
anything like that. So how did I respond? I just kept
my mouth shut"and smiled.
Kathy Pride"speaker, loving mom, and
devoted wife"is the author of Winning the Drug War
at Home. [The One Year Bible Live Verse
Devotional re Exo. 14:14]
CLOSING THOUGHTS
A great statement of faith from Moses.
Sometimes the most difficult thing to do is to stand
still and trust God. They needed to see the
salvation of the LORD more clearly than the
approaching Egyptians. We need to realize that God is
not bound by human methods of deliverance as He
works in our lives today. [Passages Of Life SB]
As we face difficult issues, we will find
that sometimes we need to sit tight and wait on
God, and other times we need to get up and take
action, trusting him for strength. How did Moses
know when to get moving? God told him. But Moses
would have heard nothing if he hadn't been staying
in constant contact with God. [Life Recovery
Devotional SB mod]
ONE LINER
I need never distrust my God for cloth or
bread while the lilies flourish and the ravens are
fed. [Your Daily Walk SB]
PRACTICAL APPLICATION
I will fight for you; you need only to be
still. I know how weary you are, My child. You have
been struggling just to keep your head above
water, and your strength is running low. Now is the
time for you to stop striving and let Me fight
for you. I know this is not easy for you to do.
You feel as if you must keep struggling in order
to survive, but I am calling you to rest in Me.
I am working on your behalf; so be still, and
know that I am God.
Quieting your body is somewhat
challenging for you, but stilling your mind may often
seem downright impossible. In your striving to
feel secure, you have relied too heavily on your
own thinking. This struggle to be in control has
elevated your mind to a position of autonomy. So you
need the intervention of the Holy Spirit. Ask Him
to control your mind more and more-- soothing
you from the inside out. Take time to rest in
the shadow of the Almighty while I fight for
you. (Exo. 14:14; Psa. 46:10; Rom. 8:6; Psa.
91:1) [Jesus Today by Sarah Young]
LINK FOR FURTHER STUDY ON THIS PASSAGE
Exodus 14:13, 14 - When Trapped - Just Look
to Jesus!
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2007/20070201-1332.html
YOUR COMMENTS
If anyone has a paraphrase, commentary or
testimony on this passage of Scripture, either
personal or otherwise, I would be interested in
hearing from you. Thanks in advance and let's keep
uplifting Jesus that all might be drawn to Him. Fred
Gibbs
LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT
Most Important Decision in Life:
http://www.youtube.com/embed/WGnEuGwvXqU?rel=0
Steps to Peace by Billy Graham:
https://stepstopeace.org/
A Man without Equal by Bill Bright:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiVa7UoruIo
Seeking God Made Real:
http://vimeo.com/31489782
Prayer Made Real:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tc8VdMV26VE
Importance of Choice:
http://creationhealth.com/CREATION-Health/Choice [click on video]
Medical Seminar on Healthful Living by David
DeRose, MD, MPH:
https://www.smartlifestyletv.com/lifestart
LINKS FOR BIBLE STUDIES
Lifting Up Jesus Bible Studies:
http://www.liftingupjesus.net/
Amazing Facts Bible Studies:
http://www.amazingfacts.org/bible-study/bible-study-guides.aspx
Hope Awakens Bible Study Guides:
https://www.hopeawakens.study/lesson-header;id=2
Glow Tract Video Bible Studies:
http://www.bibleresearch.info/
LINKS FOR BIBLE PROPHECY SEMINARS
Islam and Christianity in Prophecy, The
Third and Final Conflict by Tim Roosenberg:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHSJB-fuHLU&list=PLWhQIHGTHlkaGg5Cwe3NDzWtFX8vNSpsE
Unlocking Bible Prophecies by Cami Oetman of
Adventist World Radio: https://www.awr.org/bible
Revelation Now by Pastor Doug Batchelor:
https://www.revelationnow.com/
Hope Awakens by John Bradshaw of IIW:
https://itiswritten.tv/programs/hope-awakens
Prophecies Decoded by Pastor Ron Clouzet:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1A435C5373550657
