Today’s Devotion
Topic: Pharaoh Will Know That I Am God! (Part 4)
Text: Exodus 14: 15
15 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to me? Tell the Israelites to move on.” Amen
So we know already that the Lord redirected the Israelites to camp by the Red Sea and now they are terrified because Pharaoh and his army are too close for comfort. In situations like this, most of us like them, tend to complain and worry; regretting the decision to leave ‘Egypt’ in the first place.
As they cried unto Moses and Moses turned to God, Jehovah said to him, “Why are you crying out to me? Tell the Israelites to move on.” Beloved, we can all agree that a lot could have gone on in Moses’ mind the moment he heard that question. He would have thought, “Why am I crying out to you? Wasn’t it you Lord who led us here in the first place? Is it not you who is all powerful and strong? Who else can we turn to besides you?”
Then when he (Moses) ponders about the next thing the Lord said, “Tell the Israelites to move on”, he will be sure there is something very wrong about their discussion. Maybe the Lord has not understood his cry yet. Move on from where, and to where? No one crosses a sea without a boat, canoe or ship, unless the person can walk on water; something he and his people could not do. Even if they had ships, it couldn’t carry them all across the sea before Pharaoh gets to them.
Also, if the Lord’s “MOVE ON” command was suggesting that they face Pharaoh in a fight, that was also not going to be possible. Pharaoh’s army was way too sophisticated. Besides, Israel had lots of women, children and the aged with them. The cost would be too high. It feels justifiable to feel self pity and cry unto the Lord instead. Israel may have thought; “After all, His command that we “MOVE ON” is not even practical. Let’s just cry on Him to let Him know we feel disappointed in Him.”
How many of us do not do this every dawn when times are rough? We wake up early to sit and think through our woes. Then we either cry on God and blame Him for not caring much, or wait till we can talk to a friend later in the day, there we complain bitterly against God as we compare our previous with the current.
But you see, Jehovah asked Moses why the latter was crying unto Him because from His divine perspective, He had already told Moses He was working out a plan to gain glory before Pharaoh. He had been in control the whole time. Why do you (Moses) get to this point and cry to Him like you were ever required to fix a thing by your own strength and ability?
Also, was it not you (Moses) who assured the Israelites that they should fear not but stand firm and see the deliverance I bring them this day? You even told them I would fight for them; now why do you cry unto me instead, ASKING ME WHAT TO DO? ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU ALREADY KNOW THAT I AM IN CHARGE AND ALWAYS KNOW WHAT TO DO!
Secondly, the Lord told Moses to “MOVE ON” because as far as He was concerned, there was no obstacle at all. His Word “Go” or “MOVE ON” contains every provision you need in the journey. The power within the word is able to make a way even where there seems to be no way. It levels both mountain and valley, and makes a highway through the sea. It makes every crooked roads straight and the path of the righteous smooth, but not slippery. All Moses had to do was to inquire from Jehovah what to do.
Beloved, in our lives, we must elevate the Word of God above our circumstances and fears. Getting rid of all forms of faith-less chatter and complains. Trusting that He who has promised us is faithful, and He will do exactly what He says He will.
Begin to pray now asking for forgiveness if you find yourself trapped in a terrible situation and have been crying and blaming God the whole time. Crying unto God out of self pity in a way as to accuse Him of negligence does not effect much for any well-meaning Believer. However, praying in faith for God to fulfil His Word about you, or praying to Him for direction since He knows the full plan and not you, is the best thing to do. It yields supernatural results for all who understand that Jehovah is God and that He reigns supreme beyond our circumstances. There is no fault with Him at all!
After the prayer, believe with all your heart that in this matter too, Jehovah will gain glory for Himself through this same Pharaoh that’s pursuing you. The battle is the Lord’s.
Tomorrow, we will discuss what the Lord’s “MOVE ON” plan was and whether it was practical after all. Please make a date.
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