by: Bitsy Rawlings
Each month, our Northside women meet in small groups for prayer, fellowship, and to read and discuss a devotion written by our writers' group. This year we're studying the book of Exodus as we delve into the character of God. The following is from our July devotion:
Last month, we discussed the incredible grace (unmerited favor) God displayed to the Israelites
during the first Passover. The angel of death spared the firstborns of those who had covered
their doorposts and lintels with blood from an unblemished lamb. But the first born of the
Egyptians and their animals died.
We also talked about God’s specific instructions leading up to the Passover. One instruction - to
tuck their tunics into their belts for a quick departure - was important. He even had the Israelites
burn the rest of the uneaten lamb. These instructions implied that they were getting ready to
RUN. Not running to escape - but running to FREEDOM.
As God promised, in the middle of the night Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron and told
them to take the Israelites and leave. Momentarily humbled, Pharaoh even asked Moses to
“bless me also.” (Exodus 12:31-32)
It’s important to note that Pharaoh (briefly) experienced the lesson that God is the Ultimate
Sovereign - the King of Kings... The Bible says “...everything was created for Him and by Him” and
that - through Jesus (God the Son) - "every knee will bow to Him” (Col.1-15-23; Phil.2:1-11.)
There are 55 references to “pride” in the Bible. In the New Testament, James says: “But He gives
us more and more grace [through the power of the Holy Spirit to defy sin and live an obedient
life that reflects both our faith and our gratitude for our salvation]. Therefore, it says, “GOD IS
OPPOSED TO THE PROUD and HAUGHTY, BUT [continually] GIVES [the gift of] GRACE TO THE
HUMBLE [who turn away from self-righteousness].” (James 4:6, Amplified)
In Chapter 13:1-2, God commands the Israelites to consecrate their first born - both people and
animals. That word, consecrate, according to Got Answers (web, copyright 2022-2024) means “the
separation of oneself from things that are unclean, especially anything that would contaminate
one’s relationship with a perfect God. Consecration also carries the connotation of sanctification,
holiness or purity.’”
Here, God is commanding the first born of the people of God to be set apart for Himself. This is in
direct contrast to what happened when the Egyptians lost their first-born to the Death Angel during
the Passover! God explains this further in Exodus 13:11-16: during the institution of the Feast of
Unleavened Bread, God wants His people to remember their redemption from slavery by the setting
apart of the first born for Himself. Again, true to His ordered nature, God gives them specific
instructions on how to observe the Feast of Unleavened Bread.
In Exodus 13:17-22, we see God’s loving hand guiding His people out of Egypt. He takes them through
the Wilderness to the Red Sea. We’ve been told already that the Israelites were in battle formation,
but God was careful not to create a battle situation for them. In verse 17, God directs them around
Philistine territory to avoid conflict. Along this path, God then sends His presence with them via a
pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. God’s presence never leaves them. And He has
never left us.
So... it appears that Pharaoh’s humility after his loss was short-lived. But that wasn’t a surprise to
God. God went before the people and had them go back and camp at a place near the Red Sea.
The Israelites were about to see God’s rescue in a way that they’d never forget! This same Ever-
Present God who had redeemed them from slavery, disciplined and humbled a hard-hearted
Pharaoh, guided them through the wilderness, and surrounded them with His presence, was now
about to rescue His people once again. But the people saw Pharaoh and his troops marching toward
them. Naturally, they blamed Moses for bringing them out to the wilderness and decided they were
doomed to drown! But our God is so much bigger than Pharaoh and his armies... or any
enemy we may face!!! None of this caught Him by surprise!!!! God told Moses to lift up his staff over
the waters of the Red Sea in order for it to part. Moses did just as God instructed, the water
separated, and DRY land appeared! It took a while for all of the Israelites to cross, but once the last
one had made it, Moses let down his staff. Our GOD caused the wheels of the chariots of Pharaoh
and his army to become stuck in the MUD of the Red Sea floor! The walls of water fell back in place,
and Pharaoh and his army drowned!
In Chapters 15 and 16, we see the people celebrate. Moses writes a song about the God who
threw Pharaoh’s horses and riders into the Red Sea... and Miriam also dances with her female
friends in celebration. At the end of chapter fifteen we see God take care of Israelites’ basic
needs. The water is salty, so God instructs Moses to throw a tree into it, and the water becomes
sweet. In Chapter 16, the people are hungry, so God brings them “manna” (which literally means
“what is it?”). The people begin to know God as their Provider. God also gives them some specific
instructions on how to gather the manna, but they don’t always follow them.
Sometimes we have to learn things the hard way. But God proves once again that He is a faithful
Father to His children. In Chapter 17, we see the people thirsty again. Moses goes to God, and
God tells him to strike the rock and the water will come! God provided water from a ROCK!!!
Moses marveled, “Is God with us?” Then at the end of Chapter 17, we see God’s might with the
Israelites when they are attacked by the Amalekites. Moses tells Joshua to pick some mighty
warriors to go up against the Amalekites. They listen to his instructions and fight the battle.
Moses, Aaron, and Hur scurry up a hill to watch. During this time, Moses stretches out the same
rod he’d used to strike the rock for the water – the same rod that God had given him earlier to
pick up the snake by its tail... the same rod God had used to part the waters of the Red Sea... and
holds it over Joshua and the Israelites in battle. When Moses lifts his arms over the Israelites, the
Israelites have the advantage. But when he puts his arms down, the Amalekites gain the
advantage. When Moses’ arms grow tired, Aaron and Hur support them. Moses realizes that God
is indeed with them! It was not by military might that they won the battle. God won it for them!
When we look at all the ways that God showed His love and favor toward the
people of Israel, we learn about a God Who is intimately involved in all we do and who cares for
us. He is our Redeemer, our Rescuer, our Guide, our Provider, our Banner. He surrounds us with
His presence and gives us loving wisdom. He goes before
us and He is behind us. He strengthens us when we’re weary in battles – even the ones we didn’t
choose for ourselves or didn’t see coming. This... THIS, girls, is our God. And He loves YOU!
“The LORD will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.” - Exodus 14:14
