LORD’S DAY, FEBRUARY 3
Exodus 14:1-9
Psalm 20:1-9

“… we will remember the name
of the LORD our God.”

TRUST GOD EVEN WHEN IT DOES NOT MAKE SENSE

The LORD’s instructions to Moses were for the children of Israel to turn towards Pihahiroth and make camp there, by the sea. Pharaoh would think that these inexperienced slaves had got themselves lost and confused. Instead of going eastward, this direction was south-westward. And this south-westward direction would put them between Egypt and the sea. This does not seem to make sense at all because if they continued south-eastward, they would not be sandwiched between Egyptian forces and the sea. But now, they were boxed in. The final judicial hardening of Pharaoh’s heart led him and his people to pursue the children of Israel, thinking how foolish they were to release their free labour (who even plundered their people). The precarious position of their ex-slaves made them sitting ducks for recapture. So, Pharaoh led his 600 elite individually-captained chariots to do just that.

It was not a mistake or lapse of judgment. The LORD’s intention was to show His glory and His power over Pharaoh and his army. They would know that He is the LORD. Chariots are repeatedly mentioned in this passage. These were considered very powerful and advanced inventions that struck fear in enemy hearts. With such a military force going after them, it really did not make sense for the children of Israel to be intentionally trapped in such a disadvantageous location. But the weaker the position of the children of Israel, and the more powerful the military might of the Egyptians going after them, the more clearly the LORD’s power and glory would be displayed, and the more surely His children would know that God alone was all they need, regardless of the situation. God’s commandments about how to live on earth may at times seem contrary to our perceived notions regarding how to succeed. The world may label us as irrational and think we are foolish to follow God. But the way God led the children of Israel here is an example and an encouragement for us!

THOUGHT: Do I trust my LORD’s commands even when it does not seem to make sense?
PRAYER: LORD, teach me to live by faith and not by sight.