Book of Exodus
Chapter 14
God Will Make a Way When There Seems to be No Way
I. Israel changed their direction (verses 1-4)
A. God told Israel to turn and camp by the sea - no matter what the enemy plans to do, God will take care of you and will tell you what to do.
B. God knew what Pharaoh would do. Pharaoh assumed Israel was in unfamiliar territory and was trapped. God hardened his heart so he would pursue the Israelites. He would be honored and glorified by Pharaoh and his army. The Egyptians would know for sure that He is God. That is God’s purpose in all He does—that people acknowledge Him as God.
II. Pharaoh changed his mind (verses 5-9)
A. He wanted to regain control over the Israelites – Pharaoh’s hard heart was no longer sensitive to the tragedy of all the firstborn who had died. His only focus was on the loss of power and the economic benefit that Israel has provided. The very one who had asked Israel to leave now wants to force them to return.
B. He chased and caught Israel by the sea – Pharaoh made ready all his horses, men, and chariots. What an impressive army. He had 600 chosen chariots. That was 600 more than the Israelites had.
III. Israel changed their mind (verses 10-14)
A. The people reacted in fear – according to verse 8, the Israelites left with boldness (“an high hand”), but now they melted with fear when they realized the Egyptians were marching after them. Israel feared when they “lifted up their eyes” and saw the mighty Egyptian army. When we walk by sight, we live by fear. But when we walk by faith, we keep our eyes on God and His plan for our lives.
Their comment about dying in the wilderness rather than in Egypt because there weren’t enough graves was a foolish idea. The Egyptians were preoccupied with death and had developed elaborate rituals and customs (including embalming the dead). There was obviously no shortage of graves in Egypt!
B. Moses responded in faith – What a great statement. Moses said, “Don’t be afraid, stand still, and watch what God can do.” He reminded the people that the battle was God’s battle and He would fight for them. This has always been the truth that sustains God’s people—He will fight our battles!
1 Samuel 17:47 And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the LORD'S, and he will give you into our hands.
2 Chronicles 14:11 And Asa cried unto the LORD his God, and said, LORD, it is nothing with thee to help, whether with many, or with them that have no power: help us, O LORD our God; for we rest on thee, and in thy name we go against this multitude. O LORD, thou art our God; let not man prevail against thee.
2 Chronicles 20:15 And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's.
Romans 8:31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
IV. God changed the outcome (verses 15-29) – The people were delivered physically and they were transformed spiritually.
A. He told the Israelites to go forward – God said it was time to act!
B. He came between Israel and the enemy – the pillar that brought light to Israel brought darkness to the enemy. The enemy can’t touch you without first dealing with God. Isaiah 52:12 For ye shall not go out with haste, nor go by flight: for the LORD will go before you; and the God of Israel will be your rereward (rear guard).
C. He went ahead and made a way to escape – He went ahead and did the impossible. The next time when you are in impossible situation, remember what God did for Israel at the Red Sea. The people of God never forgot this victory.
D. He drowned all the Egyptians in the sea – The Lord fought against the Egyptians and caused their chariots to get stuck. Then the wall of water came down on them and killed them all.
V. Israel changed their attitude (verses 30-31)
A. They realized God delivered them – they were grateful
B. They saw their enemies were defeated – they were relieved
C. They feared and trusted God – they were reverent and submissive
D. They trusted Moses – they were loyal and supportive of his leadership
1 John 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
Points to Ponder:
Ø Our difficulties are God’s opportunities.
Ø Fear only sees the problem, but faith sees the solution.
Ø Wherever God guides He provides.
Ø God’s way of salvation is the only way of salvation.
Ø Being fearful vs. trusting God is the difference between life and death.
Book of Exodus
Chapter 14
God Will Make a Way When There Seems to be No Way
I. Israel changed their______(verses 1-4)
A. God told Israel to______
B. God knew______
II. Pharaoh changed his______(verses 5-9)
A. He wanted to______over the Israelites
B. He______by the sea
III. Israel changed their______(verses 10-14)
A. The people______
B. Moses______
1 Samuel 17:47; 2 Chronicles 14:11; 2 Chronicles 20:15; Romans 8:31
IV. God changed the______(verses 15-29)
A. He told the Israelites to______
B. He______Israel and the enemy
C. He went ahead and made______
D. He______in the sea
V. Israel changed their______(verses 30-31)
A. They realized______
B. They saw______
C. They______
D. They______
1 John 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
Points to Ponder:
Ø Our difficulties are______
Ø Fear only sees the problem, but______
Ø Wherever God guides______
Ø God’s way of salvation is______
Ø Being fearful vs. trusting God is______