You Are FreeSample

Three Lessons for Us

The Israelites were terrified. When fear hits, we lose perspective on all that God has for us both now and in the future. We want to go back to what was comfortable, even if it was slavery. The Israelites were no different—they let Moses have it.

"Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die? What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt? Didn't we say to you in Egypt, "Leave us alone; let us serve the Egyptians"? It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert!" (Exodus 14:11-12).

Every time I read their complaint, I get critical. Doesn't it raise questions in your mind? God was with them, right? Why were they blind to this reality? Didn't they remember all God had done for them to this point? They left Egypt as wealthy people. They were promised a new land and a new way of life, God was guiding every step of their way. He had taken care of their every need and had shown his immense power. What were they missing?

Moses calmed the people. The Lord was about to act again on their behalf and deliver them to safety.

Moses stood at the banks of the Red Sea and raised his staff into the air. The Lord parted the sea. The Israelites "went through the sea on dry ground, with a wall of water on their right and on their left" (verse 22). 

When the Egyptians pursued, Moses raised his staff again, and the walls of water covered the dry land. Not one member of the Egyptian army survived. "That day the Lord saved Israel from the hands of the Egyptians" (Verse 30). 

Salvation was theirs.

What does this story tell us today?

First, it reminds us that salvation is God's work from start to finish. Every aspect of Israel's rescue was carried out by God alone. His power and presence delivered them to safety and freedom. His power and presence in the person of Jesus Christ delivered you to safety and freedom as well. This is grace.

Next, Israel's old way of life came to an end. They were no longer slaves. The Egyptian reign had been buried in a watery grave. I think Paul had this story in mind when he penned these words to the Romans.

"If we have been united with him in a resurrection like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his. For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin - because anyone who has died has been set free from sin" (Romans 6:5-7).

Your old way of life has come to an end. You are no longer a slave to sin. You are a child of the living God. But not just a child. God declared you to be a son.

"Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, "Abba, Father." So you are no longer a slave, but God's child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir" (Galatians 4:6, 7).

He sees you as an adult, no longer in need of a tutor. He is there with you, working inside you. This equips you to live in freedom.

Finally, in God's presence there is nothing to fear. Yes, freedom can be scary. Everything in the world tries to keep you from it. Even your old legalistic thoughts discourage you from walking that path. Be brave and courageous. Freedom is what you've longed for. It's yours. Every step you take as a child of God, he is there with you.