Do I keep moving or stand still? Which is it? In these days of constant change and upheaval it is easy to get confused, even to the point of giving up. Where is God in all of this? Why is it so hard to navigate?
This is where slowing down and tucking up under the cover of God is so important. Exodus 14 is a great place to look in this season following Passover, because it is after the first Passover. The Egyptians gave their wealth to the Israelites and basically said “good riddance” to them after their first borns died. Of course, Pharaoh changed his mind and chased them to the edge of the Red Sea. Scary moment? Yes, the Israelites panicked. v10
13 But Moses told the people, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. 14 The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.”
So they camp for the night. The very next verse brings yet another change. 15 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to me? Tell the people to get moving!” At this point it is tempting to ask my opening questions. . . . again. Does this feel familiar? Can God not make up his mind? I don’t think that last question is the one to ask. I prefer to ask. “What are you doing Lord?”
For a while now I have felt the process of walking with our Creator is a little like playing the game “Simon says.” The goal is to follow instructions perfectly and quickly, but only when the the leader, begins the instructions with, “Simon says.” Those who follow the instructions without the “Simon says'” first, are out of the game. It requires listening carefully to understand. It requires immediate obedience.
So, when “God says” to follow the rules of Passover, they do. Then “God says” to collect riches, they do. “God says” to flee to the edge of the water, a seeming dead end, (it was for some and not for others,) they did. Then they panicked when the chariots are in sight. That nearly got them kicked out of the game. But that is when Moses told them that “God says” stand still, so they did. First thing in the morning the process continues when, “God says” to Moses, “Tell the people to get moving! ” So they moved.
Did they understand everything? They did not. But they obeyed. From the days of Abraham, the Israelites had a relationship with the Creator. And when they could not understand, they knew Moses understood how to hear, trust and lead.
I think you understand why I see parallels between our walk with God and “Simon says.” There is, however a very important distinction. “Simon” might be reckless and capricious, saying anything Simon wants to say. Our God is not Simon. Our God is not capricious, but loving, all powerful, and always knows what is best. We. . . we are in training to reign for eternity with our Creator. 1 Peter 2:9. That is why learning the Bible, the Word of God is important, so we can can understand more and become trustworthy like Moses.
A closing thought for us to Keep moving. We keep moving forward, in the direction of God. We cannot change anything that is behind us, so do not look back. Creator knows the way we need to go. Draw close, go deep, trust, breath and obey.
22 The faithful love of the Lord never ends!
His mercies never cease.
23 Great is his faithfulness;
his mercies begin afresh each morning.
24 I say to myself, “The Lord is my inheritance;
therefore, I will hope in him!” Lamentations 3.
Keep moving? Stand still? Yes! What does that look like for you today? This season of life?
Is this Exodus 14 fact or fiction? Food for thought.
