02(Exodus 14) When You Can't See His Footprints

I.       Following God to a dead-end.

A.     Getting their Attention.

§  The Israelites knew Egypt. They smelled of Egypt. God had to get their attention. So He brought them to the Red Sea. To a predicament in their lives.

§  And remember it was God doing the leading, too. (Exodus 13:18).

§  God was going before them. (13:21-22). wouldn’t that be great. Wonder what God’s will is? Just look at the cloud. If it’s moving, go. If it’s still, stay.

B.     Why did God lead them to a dead-end?

§  Exodus 14:1-4. God spoke to Moses. Tells them to backtrack to Baal-Zephon.

§  But this was a dead-end.

North- formidable Egyptian fortresses.

South- vast desert called Mizraim.

West – Goshen and Raamses. East- Red Sea (Gulf of Suez). Trapped.

C.     They became very frightened. (14:10).

§  The people cry out to God as one.

§  When we’re afraid, we first cry out to God, and if no quick answer, look for someone to blame.

§  Naturally, they picked the preacher. (11).

D.     Moses’ (God’s) response to fear. (13-14)

§  Don’t be afraid.

§  Stand still.

§  Watch God fight for you.

§  Keep silent.

II.    Watching God gain the victory. (15-25).

A.     First, he told Moses to go forward.

B.     He opened a path where there was none. (21) [Psalm 77]

III. Following God today.

A.     It takes being trapped in a corner to break lifetime habits.

§  Maybe like the Israelites, you know more about Egypt than about God. You think like them, listen to its music, read Egyptian newspapers.

§  To learn from God, we have to be painted by Him into a corner with no escape. Then we learn.

B.     When there is no where to go, look up.

§  Israel only called upon the Lord when they were hemmed in.

§  It is hard to get folks to God who have no current problems.

§  God removes your ways of escape, your trusted routes out. Your strengths.

C.     If the Lord is to get the glory, he must do the fighting.

§  I’m not talking about times when you are to be involved in your battles.

§  But when you are between rock and hard place, he wants you to lay down your arms, and wait.

D.     Red Seas open and close only at His command.

§  One of greatest detriments to a life of faith is the clock.

§  Raymond Edmon, “Disciplines of Life”- the delay that instructs and prepares us saves time, never loses it.”

IV. Conclusion:

§  Coming to the Red Sea is just as much a part of his plan as crossing it.

§  The tears flow, time passes. But in those tears and during the passing of that time, God becomes very significant in our life. And we can remember, and have the wisdom to keep quiet and wait…