Many of us, particularly those of us that have been around awhile, are pretty good at developing plans...dealing with situations...dealing with people...developing a program...even getting out of a pickle...etc. Stick with me, let's chase a rabbit.
The Theologian Mike Tyson says, "We've all got a plan...until we get punched in the face."
In Exodus 15, God's people had a plan to leave their 430 year captivity in Egypt. Egypt had become their culture for 430 years...some had become fully "Egyptian" even to the point of worshipping the Egyptian gods.
On the other hand, there were those that were not Israelites that became followers of Yahweh during this time. Several would end up leaving Egypt with the Israelites.
I can't imagine being in slavery for 430 years...and the low morale that probably prevailed among the Israelites. For generations, all they knew was the life of a slave.
For many of us, when we find ourselves in an uncomfortable situation...especially one that may seem hopeless, the shortest route to the promised land would probably be our first choice. Exodus 13:17 - When Pharaoh finally let the people go, God did not lead them along the main road that runs through Philistines territory, even though that was the shortest route to the promised land.
God knew, though the Israelites may not have, that they would get "punched in the face" if they took the shortest route through Philistine territory to the promised land. In Exodus 13:17b - God said, "If the people are faced with a battle, they may change their minds and return to Egypt."
When you think about the possibility of up to two million people exiting Egypt - including women and children - there is no way that they would just sneak through Philistine territory. And, although some of them may have been armed, God knew that his people were not ready for a battle.
So God led them in a roundabout way through the wilderness.
I'm not sure about the wilderness. In my opinion, bad things could happen in the wilderness...unpredictable things.
Personally, I would not think that a roundabout through the wilderness is a really a good idea. "Our odds might be better against the Philistines," I would rationalize. At least we are familiar with them and have an idea what to expect.
Let's just get to the promised land as fast as we can....that's my thinking.
If you continue to read the story, the people were obedient and continued to follow their leader. They were able to see God show up in a big way, making his presence known by leading his people with a pillar of cloud for shade in the day and a pillar of fire by night allowing them to travel by day or night.
As the story continues in Exodus 14, God gives instructions to Moses to have the people turn back. (Try turning around up to two million people...let me know how that goes for you). They were instructed to camp by Pi-hahiroth between Migdol and the Sea (Exodus 14:1-2). This location did not make sense because it put God's people in a defenseless position...in a cul-de-sac with mountains and the Red Sea behind them. in this position, the Israelites could see that they would be vulnerable and have no place to retreat from an attacking enemy.
It was in that moment that they began to question Moses and his leadership...which was really questioning God. Even though the Israelites had seen God do several miracles up to this point in leading them, they were ready to back pedal...some even desiring to return to the dysfunction of slavery. (We will often do the same...we learn how to deal with and cope with dysfunction...its the unknown we tend not to like).
Sure enough, as the story goes, the Egyptians changed their minds and went after the Israelites.
The Israelites were in a bad place and they would desperately need God to show up and intervene on their behalf.
As the Egyptian Army approached Moses replied to their panic, "Don't be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Egyptians that you see today will never be seen again" (Exodus14:13) This was easier said than done...what the Israelites were seeing with their own eyes was the Egyptians quickly approaching.
As the Egyptians began to overtake the Israelites God said to Moses, "My glory is about to be displayed through Pharaoh and his troops, his chariots, and his charioteers."
The rest of the story is history. God parted the waters. The Israelites walked across dry ground to the promised land. The ensuing Egyptians were overcome by the waters and drowned in the process of pursuing God's people.
As the Israelites watched God's power in the moment...imagine the chaotic scene of bodies and horses washing up on the shore...all they could do was stop and worship. Despite their lack of faith in Moses and God, he delivered them from what appeared to be a hopeless situation.
God is still in the delivery business today. No matter what situation you find yourself in, God can use it to bring glory to himself. If you find yourself being overtaken by life, stand back, God may be about to do his greatest miracle in your life.
It's a privilege to serve as your Discipleship Pastor, Dean
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