And they said unto Moses, Because there were no graves in Egypt, hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness? wherefore hast thou dealt thus with us, to carry us forth out of Egypt? Is not this the word that we did tell thee in Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For it had been better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness(Ex. 14:11-12).
Yesterday, we read of the Israelites hurried but triumphant departure from Egypt. And the children of Israel did according to the word of Moses; and they borrowed of the Egyptians jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment: And the Lord gave the people favour in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they lent unto them such things as they required. And they spoiled the Egyptians. And the children of Israel journeyed from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand on foot that were men, beside children. And a mixed multitude went up also with them; and flocks, and herds, even very much cattle (Ex. 12:35-38). We rejoiced as they began their journey to the promised land as free men, bound only to their creator.
One would expect that, after having witnessed firsthand the awesome power of God, these people would have followed Him without doubt or hesitation, but they hadn’t even been gone from Egypt for three days before they proved this expectation to be false. The Pharaoh had recovered from his initial shock and grief over the plague that had claimed all of Egypt’s firstborn. He had gathered his armies and ridden after the departing Israelites, intent on regaining his Hebrew slaves (14:5). When the children of Israel learned of the oncoming army, they panicked and lashed out at Moses, saying, wherefore hast thou dealt thus with us, to carry us forth out of Egypt?... For it had been better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness. Thus setting a precedent for the pattern in which they and their descendants would interact with the Lord for generations to come.
The Israelites are perfect examples of what we refer to today as ‘fair-weather Christians.’ As long as the way is smooth and the blessings are plentiful, they are overflowing with words of praise and worship. Yet, at the first sign of trouble, they crumble. Instead of turning to God for support and direction, they become bitter and angry, demanding to know why He has ‘let them down.’ The primary identifying characteristic of this type of individual is their seemingly infinite store of self-love. If you listen closely, you will soon discover that even their praise of God during the good times has a decidedly selfish tone.
As imperfect human beings, we all have the capacity for shallow self-absorption, and we will all evidence this type of behavior on occasion. The trick is to remain conscious of this fact so that we can actively guard against it, allowing our faith in God to shine brighter than our fears and doubts. When facing worldly tribulations, we always have a choice. We can join our voices with the Israelites in complaint and despair, or we can stand as Moses stood and proclaim our faith in the leadership of God.
And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever. The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace(Ex. 14:13-14).
Thought For TodayWith faith in God as our refuge, we can weather any storm. No matter how frightening the thunder is, it will pass.
Word Studies14:8 with an high hand = triumphantly and without fear; 14:13 salvation = deliverance; 14:17 get me honour upon = triumph over; 15:25 proved them = tested their faith; 16:3 flesh pots = bowls; 16:15 wist not = did not know; 16:18 mete = measure; 16:20 hearkened not = would not listen
Christ Revealed:Through the bread (manna) from heaven (Ex. 16:4,15). Jesus said: I am the Living Bread which came down from heaven (John 6:51; 6:32- 50).
Pray For Staff:Ryan McCrary • Government Official: Rep. Rick Crawford(AR) • Country: Palau (21,186) North Pacific Ocean • Major Languages: Palauan, English • Religious Freedom • 41.6% Roman Catholic; 23.3% Protestant; 8.8% Modekngei; 5.3% Seventh-Day Adventist; 0.9% Jehovah Witness; 0.6% Mormon; 3.1% Other; 16.4% Unspecified/None • Prayer Suggestion: Praise God for godly men of old who were faithful to record His Word of Truth (Hab. 2:1-2).
Optional Reading:Matthew 22