Exodus 14
Exodus 14 describes how the Israelites crossed over the Red Sea in a marvelous display of God’s power over all of His creation. This is a very familiar story of the Bible for many, so I want to caution you not to read quickly and miss the truths about God and His people that are still very much applicable to us in the present.
Note the following as you read today:
· Although God freed the Israelites from Pharaoh, the Egyptian ruler didn’t give up the fight to reclaim their lives. And when the people of Israel saw Pharaoh and his many warriors approaching, they thought it better to go back to slavery in Egypt instead of trusting God to deliver them once and for all (vv. 8-12). Christian, the devil cannot snatch away your salvation, but he most certainly can and will continue his attacks on you so that you grow discouraged and long to return to your old ways.
· Moses was quick to remind God’s people that the LORD would be fighting this battle (vv. 13-14). Their faithful response was to remain silent and watch Him work. Never doubt that God remains on your side, even when your circumstances may suggest otherwise.
· Although Scripture does not indicate the depth of the Red Sea when the Israelites crossed it, the average depth of this body of water is 1,640 feet.[i] (For reference, the Empire State Building in New York City is 1,250 feet tall, excluding its spire and antenna.[ii]) “And the LORD drove the sea back by a strong east wind all night and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided. And the people of Israel went into the midst of the sea on dry ground, the waters being a wall to them on their right hand and on their left.” Don’t gloss over the mighty power of God on display here, and never doubt His ability to do what we think cannot be done!
· At just the right time, when the Israelites had successfully crossed over to the other side of the Red Sea and all the Egyptian warriors were now entrenched in its midst, God returned the waters of the Red Sea to normalcy, thus engulfing and destroying Israel’s enemies. It may look like the devil will overtake you, but know that His timing is perfect, He will protect you, and evil will one day be forever extinguished.
· Throughout this exodus from Egypt, God desired for His people to know Him as LORD. “Israel saw the great power that the LORD used against the Egyptians, so the people feared the LORD, and they believed in the LORD…” (v. 31). What miracle works of God have you seen that have strengthened your knowledge of and faith in Him?
I want to encourage you now to reread this account of two million people safely crossing over the Red Sea, and as you do, think about this reality from the perspective of those who follow Jesus. We, like the people of Israel, were once in captivity and bondage to sin. God has graciously, lovingly, and mercifully delivered us from the grasp of the enemy, but the devil is still pursuing us. Right now, we are exiles walking across dry land toward the Promised Land. The waves around us are steep, but God is ensuring they do not topple over us on our journey. And one day, Satan will be forever destroyed as our Lord and Savior ushers in the new heaven and new earth that await those who, in faith, endure to the other side of their pilgrimage. No turning back, only trusting in our great God to keep us!
- - - - - -
Journal responses to the following prompts:
· Has the devil ever tried to tempt you with returning to the “known” path of your old ways in lieu of trusting God in the “unknown” course of your new life with Him?
· What miracle works of God have you seen that have strengthened your knowledge of and faith in Him?
[i] Red Sea. (2023, January 21). Egypt United Tours. Retrieved March 6, 2026, from https://egyptunitedtours.com/red-sea/
[ii] Empire State Building facts: All you need to know. (n.d.). The Empire State Building. Retrieved March 6, 2026, from https://www.esbnyc.com/about/facts-figures