Day 37, Chronological Bible Study Timeline. Map. Go to today's Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): Exodus 13:17–15:27
Why Should We Trust God?
This is a question which many people have. Trust comes from knowledge and experience. People have to show worthiness before we can trust them. Is God any different?
God promises
Before their deliverance, the Egyptians had enslaved the Israelites over 400 years. Other than old stories passed down from parents, grandparents, and elders, the Israelites had no experience with God.
Then a fellow named Moses comes out of the desert of Midian. He tells them the God of their ancestors, the ever-present eternal “I Am,” has seen their sufferings and will deliver them. This gives them some encouragement, but then their hardships increase after Moses makes Pharaoh angry. The Israelites no longer want to listen to him.
God acts
The LORD shows himself the Sovereign power of the universe. With ten miraculous plagues, each attacking one of Egypt’s gods, he, at last, breaks Pharaoh’s will. Afterward, the Egyptians were eager to have the Israelites and their God leave the country.The Egyptians gladly gave the Israelites anything they wanted to gain God’s favor and send the Israelites away. Israel looted the Egyptians as though they had conquered the nation. Under the hand of the Almighty, the Israelites boldly marched out of Egypt.
In today’s Bible reading, the Israelites leave their dwellings in Egypt and believe their trials are done. But then the Egyptians wake up to what they have done—they have lost the Israelites’ services! Pharaoh and his army mount their horses and chariots, then quickly pursue their former slaves to take them back. The Israelites see them and are terrified. Now, what can they do? The Egyptian army is behind them, and the Red Sea is in front. They feel trapped!
God reacts
Why does God allow the Egyptians to follow them? First, he shows the Egyptians one more time: the LORD is the Sovereign, self-existent one, the all-powerful, eternal God of the universe.
Second, the Israelites haven’t expressed their belief and confidence in the LORD who delivered them. They need to see that God is not only their deliverer but also their shield and defender (Exodus 14:1-4; 14:13).
Seeing the pursuit of the Egyptian army, the people are trembling in fear. Moses answers them,
Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still (Exodus 14:13-14, NIV).
God protects
Then God shields the Israelites from the Egyptians all night with a cloud of darkness. However, there is light throughout the Israelite camp.
Afterward, God tells Moses to stretch his rod over the waters, and they part. With a strong east wind blowing all night, the LORD opens a wide path through the Red Sea for the Israelites to escape on dry ground. When the Egyptian army tries to follow, God makes the wheels of their chariots fall off, so they have difficulty driving. When they try to flee, the high walls of water rush back upon them, and they drown.
Are we trapped by our circumstances? We need to rely on God, be still, and watch for the LORD’s salvation. Let’s not panic, get angry, curse God, blame others, or be faithless. Let’s not surrender, deliver ourselves in ways he does not direct, or commit suicide. We should stay faithful and wait expectantly for the LORD to do something. He is our shield and defender. Then, when God opens a way for us, we'll be like Moses’ sister, Miriam—we'll rejoice with singing!
God provides
The LORD is not only our deliverer, shield, and defender; he’s also our provider. Soon after the LORD delivers Israel from Pharaoh’s army, the Israelites travel into the desert wilderness of Shur, where there’s little water. How can they quench the thirst of all their people and cattle? Did God deliver them just to kill them in the desert? Even when they find waters at Marah, they’re bitter and undrinkable.
When the people complain, at first, God's patient. He tells Moses to cast a piece of wood into the waters, and they miraculously become sweet. This object lesson provides an excellent illustration of God’s promise. He says,
If you listen carefully to the voice of the LORD your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the LORD, who heals you. (Exodus 15:26, NIV)
When Israel obeys the LORD, she sees he’s faithful, and she comes to know him through experience. They can trust God. No foe can defeat Israel—God can provide for her needs, even in the desert. Do we know him? (more...)
Discussion
Why should we trust God? Give some reasons from today’s Bible study or your life.
How do we come to know God through experience?
Focus Verse
Exodus 15:2 (NIV) “The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him.”
Write a private prayer response to today’s Bible study:
Please send your comments to me, Rod, the author
Looking Ahead: An initial experience with God is not enough; we will have difficulties. We have to learn to live by faith . Find out how in our next lesson.
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re-edited 2-6-23
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