When the Children of Israel left Egypt under the leadership of Moses, they came to the Red Sea. At this time Pharaoh changed his mind about releasing all the slaves and chased them down to return them to Egypt. The Israelites were encamped “by the sea” when they saw the Egyptian army and Pharaoh approaching. There was no place for them to go. They asked Moses if there weren’t any graves in Egypt so that he brought them out in the wilderness to die? (Exodus 14:11)

There is a parallel between the Israelites and the Church in the United States today. The Children of Israel were “between the devil and the deep blue sea.” Today, our nation is seriously divided. Americans are concerned about the future of our children, our grandchildren and our nation, no matter which side of the political divide we are on. This concern is shared by Christians. But, it should not be.

In the case of the Israelites, the Lord provided a way for them. He instructed Moses to stretch his arm out over the Red Sea. The sea parted before them, and they walked through it on dry land. (Exodus 14:22) In the situation today, cannot the Most High God provide an answer for His children, even if we do not deserve it? God is able. He knows our concerns and He is already at work. Moses told the Children of Israel to fear not, stand still and watch what the Lord does. (Exodus 14:13) May the Church today do the same.

Most of us are familiar with the story of the parting of the Red Sea, but when I was reading it I noticed some details that I had apparently skipped over. First of all, when the water closed over Pharaoh and his army, the Israelites were still walking between the walls of water. They were still in the Red Sea. (Exodus 14:28-29) What a lesson for us today. The Lord God took care of the problem while the Israelites were in the middle of the problem.

The next thing I noticed was the praise of the Children of Israel. When the Bible was written, there were no chapter divisions. They were added many centuries later. Therefore, chapter fifteen actually continues the account of the parting of the Red Sea. The first thing they did after witnessing the power of God was to praise Him! Exodus chapter fifteen begins with the singing of praise to the Lord. Perhaps this praise began before they even exited from between the walls of water!

Here is another lesson for the Church today from the New Testament. Paul and Silas had been beaten and thrown in prison with their feet in stocks. So, what did they do? They prayed and sang praises to the Lord! (Acts 16:25) Can the Church do less today? Praise the Lord right now for His blessings and His resolution to our current concerns. Praise Him for hearing and answering our prayers. Praise Him in all things. (First Thessalonians 5:18) But pray!

To God be the Glory!!