May 10, 2000

Reading: Psalm 114

 

“Why was it, O sea, that you fled, O Jordan, that you turned back? (5)

 

Being a Christian means that we have God in our lives to guide and lead us in the “right way”, Psalm 107:7, not that we will never face obstacles. God promised to lead the nation of Israel out of Egypt to the Promised Land of Canaan and He did so in the form of a pillar of cloud during the day and of fire by night, Exodus 13:21,22.

It is interesting that similar obstacles accompanied the two major events involved in the fulfillment of this promise. A body of water stood in their way as they were escaping from the Egyptians and when they were about to enter Canaan.

Was it not possible for God to lead the Israelites by a way that did not involve these obstacles. Was God unable to deliver His people without them looking back and seeing the mighty army of Egypt bearing down on them? Why did the river Jordan protect the land of “milk and honey”?

It is good for us to remember that God does everything for our good and to His glory. It is by the obstacles in our path that we grow in faith, and as we do so God is glorified.

At the Red Sea the people were petrified, they were caught between the Egyptian army and the Red Sea. Two and a half million people with all of their cattle and carts piled high with their belongings stood helpless between these two deathtraps; if they tried to cross the Red Sea they would surely drown and if they tried to defend themselves against the Egyptians they would be slaughtered. Not much of a choice!

It is often in such predicaments that God speaks to us. “And Moses answered the people, “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. The hardest thing to do is to “Stand firm”, or as the King James says, to “stand still”.

When the people arrived at the Jordan River there were no enemies pursuing them, rather their enemies were in front of them, waiting for them on the other side of the river. God had different instructions for them this time, “Joshua told the people, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you.” Joshua 3:5.

In both situations their leaders told them that God would perform a mighty act on their behalf. At the Red Sea they were to “stand still, and see”, whereas at the Jordan River they were to “Consecrate” themselves”, they were to prepare themselves, to separate themselves from everything other than their preparation for the next day.

No matter what obstacle or trial confronts us we must always remember that, as God’s people, we belong to Him and that He is in control. He will never lead us into situations and then leave us to find our own way out. He has promised never to leave us or forsake us, and that we will not face any temptation or trial that is too great for us. “And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it,” 1 Corinthians 10:13.

The waters ‘fled’ because God was in control. “Resist the devil and he will flee from you,” James 4:7.