Exodus 14

Recall

Bridge Over Troubled Water  Josh Groban and Jen Malenke

The Lord uses secular music as well as Christian music to get our attention, teach lessons, equalize us, and offer His comfort and hope. This song sets the stage……..

Lunch with my own thoughts

I sit in Cracker Barrel alone at lunch. I look at the relics of lives lived in days long gone. I enjoy history and the simplicity of life. So I recall and ponder…

I observe the implements of an agrarian society hanging on the walls: Hard work and seeing the results in real-time of daily efforts: Planting, harvesting, woodworking, cooking, baking, spinning, dressmaking, and simple living each day. All these implements were used by my great-grandparents and grandparents. Soon, my relics will be hanging in this nostalgic place.

But, what is to be said of the advances? I can look up Hebrew words on the fly. Research is so much easier. I know when catastrophe strikes across the globe and can lend my voice in prayer for victims. Friends and family can find me in case of an emergency or with good news! Change is good.

Toys hang from the ceiling and I realize I am now elderly! I don’t feel old. Yet, I see my childhood on display. Wagons, rocking horses, and tricycles are replaced with electronic devices. Slingshots, pop guns, Mr. Potato Head, Monopoly, checkers, slinkies, baby dolls, record players, vinyl, transistor radios, and Barbie: The simple to operate usurped by exasperating devices you need an engineering degree to simply turn on.

“Memories pressed between the pages of my mind; memories sweetened through the ages like wine. Quiet thoughts come floating down and settle softly to the ground like autumn leaves around my feet…..” Is Elvis in the house?

Soul Amnesia

I watch as Covid fear drives a couple to attempt to eat their meal with a donned mask??? Poor staffing requires a long wait. My head shakes in disbelief and a bit of frustration. The AC blasts frigid air while outside is sweltering hot. I complain about both. I am a modern-day Israelite! Wayward wanderer. Short-term memory is non-existent. Forget the past hardships, God’s miraculous rescues, and focus only on this minute and its comfort: Moan, groan, gripe, and complain. Mankind’s disease is on display in me.

In Exodus 14:1-3, I read God telling spiritual amnesia Israelites to “turn back and camp out in enemy territory! Excuse me, SAY WHAT???? WHY would He do this? Well… because NOTHING the LORD does makes a lick of sense to man and this is the point! If it doesn’t make sense to us, then, it cannot possibly be our idea and we get ZERO credit for the outcome!

Camp Out

God literally told them to camp out in a place “near Pi Hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea,… a place hemmed in by the desert.” This is enemy territory! Do you feel the fear rising in your throat? Do you run to grab your tennis shoes so you can run from your miserable life? Are you looking to heaven and asking, “What did I do to deserve this?” I have been in enemy territory.

Pi Hahiroth would eventually become known to the Jews as “the mouth of freedom,” but the Egyptian etymology was “the place where the sedge grows,” describing a desert. Migdol is Hebrew for “elevated stage.” They were to camp “by the sea, directly opposite Baal Zephon.” Baal Zephon was the “storm god.” This was “the only idol that remained unharmed when God sent the tenth plague upon Egypt.” This is why Pharaoh was so cocky when he said, “This idol is indeed mighty, and the God of Israel is powerless over him.” The Israelites are led to a not-so-hospitable place: between the desert and the sea with Pharaoh’s army in hot pursuit. And, they did as requested! It was their choice to follow God’s directions.

Are you shocked the Israelites did what God asked? Would you? Has He led you to a point that is between a rock and a hard place? Yea, me too. Not something I want in my life! I don’t recall a single time I went willingly.

My Pi Hahiroth (between Migdol and the sea)

Why did this hit me like a ton of bricks? I am between a rock and a hard place. I have experienced much in this life of mine: both wonderful and devastating. And today, I have a dilemma. I want to do the right thing and it appears no matter what, someone, including me, gets hurt! The wounds of a friend are faithful, but the kisses of the enemy multiply sorrow.” (Proverbs 27:6) The enemy is trying to use me to destroy someone I love and I WILL NOT let this happen. The devil uses the Bride (church) to destroy their own. I am not blind to his demonic tactics to render gentle, sweet souls useless to the kingdom and bring dishonor. I failed this test of satan’s devious plans in the past because I simply reacted. I will not be this snake’s puppet! I can not! Love won’t let me. I only have one chance to do the right thing. It may cost me a great deal. Possibly, everything……..Love says to do it regardless of the cost.

This is what it means to live a cruciform life. Surrender to God what you hold most dear. Lay down your own wants, needs, desires, hopes, dreams, and expectations. Open your hands wide to receive ALL that God gives as good, even when it hurts like hell. Why? Because…..

”I (God Almighty) will gain glory for myself through Pharaoh (the enemy) and all his army, and the Egyptians (the world) will know that I am the LORD!” We are the Lord’s trophies.

Intimacy Is Assured

When we follow the Lord’s guidance, intimacy with Him is assured! We have His favor. This is why the “Israelites obeyed!” Yahweh deserves our (my) surrender and our (my) trust. He KNOWS the desire of our (my) heart. He hears our (my) cries for help. He has plans for us (me) and they are good! He will have the victory! Being His Bride is both personal and corporate. Being His Bride requires total obedience and fidelity.

See Forward

Do I as His Bride trust Him to rescue me from between the rock and hard place I find myself in at this very moment? Will I believe, “The LORD will fight for me?” Is my faith strong enough to “stand still and see the deliverance of the LORD?” Will I recall His faithfulness and KNOW He will move and save me from this and every plot of hell? Can I trust Him to bring me and those I love victory? This is how to see forward in hope: “Trust the Lord with all my heart and lean not on my own understanding; In all my ways acknowledge Him and He will direct my path.” Prov 4:5-6

This is how we live like the Savior. “Into YOUR hands I commit my Spirit (everything I am). Surrender will lead to intimacy with the Savior and He is enough! Living like the cross–cruciform. Trust. Hope. Faith.

You Raise Me Up

Josh Groban

Heavenly Father,

 

May the words of this song be our song to You as we live a life that raises up others when they are struggling. Engulf them with prayers that only true love can pray. Raise them up to unimaginable heights. Stand them on mountains. Walk them across the stormy sea. Surround them with a tangible love they no longer believe is possible. Transform their life to be more than they think is possible. Lord, only YOU can make this the outcome of this desert rock and hard place we all find ourselves in at one time or another. Make me a bridge over the troubled waters, please. I ask this in Jesus’ precious name.

Amen (Let it be so!)