[Exodus Experience Series] Exodus Experience DevotionsSample

The Eyes Have It

In our Exodus Experience, when we recognize that God has placed us in the right place and time for Him to show up in His way, in His time, for His glory, we need to know that someone else may be expected to show up as well. Charles Spurgeon once said, “The great tyrant has not forgotten you, and he designs your capture and re-enslavement.”

In verses 5-9, we see the great extent to which Pharaoh went to purpose, prepare, and pursue God’s people. Robert J. Morgan, the author of The Red Sea Rules, says it this way: “Consider the parallels between Pharaoh and Satan – both are unyielding enemies, coveting the power of God for themselves. Both have been plundered by the Almighty, and both are enraged beyond endurance. Both have assembled vast armies for the destruction of God’s people and yet neither seems to realize how utterly defeated he already is.”

The Apostle Paul tells us the same thing in his letter to the church at Ephesus. He says that four things in this world try to control us. They are Satan himself, the spiritual realm on this earth, people who follow Satan, and people who do not follow God. Satan’s purpose is to re-enslave God’s children.

In verses 6-7, Pharaoh prepared for battle by making ready his own chariots—600 additional chariots and generals over each one. In the same way, Satan prepares for battle by using anything and everything he can, the best of what he has, and multiple resources.

Satan will pursue us as Pharaoh did the nation of Israel in verses 8-9. He was relentless and used all under his authority to wage multiple attacks. He will try suffering, pain, worry, anguish, illness, trouble, temptation, and more in his pursuit.

However, please notice a little phrase in the midst of all of this attack: “The children of Israel went out with boldness.” How could they? Because God was on their side, and He is mightier than Satan, and GOD WILL PREVAIL! Paul tells us the very same thing in his follow up statements to the Ephesians. He tells us of the armor God provides to allow us to stand against the wiles of the devil, and he exhorts us to “be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.” Satan may pursue, but make no mistake, GOD WILL PREVAIL.