Red Sea Rule #3 (Exodus 14:5-9)

Acknowledge your enemy, but keep your eyes on the Lord.

In Exodus 14, we read of the Israelites making their way into wilderness in an effort to put distance between them and the country of their oppression. Having experienced God’s miraculous provision of escape, it seemed a no-brainer that the journey to freedom would be worry-free.

But, meanwhile, back in Egypt … the Pharaoh and other leaders were waking up to the reality that their slaves were gone, really gone. And they didn’t like that one bit. So, they went after the Israelites. More than 600 chariots – along with horses, officers, and troops – began their thundering pursuit.

I wonder when the Israelites knew they were in trouble. I imagine that, even while the Egyptians were a long way off, the ground began to shake (remember the animal stampede scene in ‘Lion King’?) and there was a general feeling of uneasiness and dread. But, sooner rather than later, they knew: the enemy was coming!

Robert Morgan points out that “Satan doesn’t surrender his prey without a fight. He comes racing after the converted soul, chariot wheels churning the dust, seeking to discourage you, to defeat you…. He tries to trap you in difficulty, to entangle you in trouble, to corner you in impossible situations, to lure you into temptation” (34).

In Ephesians 6, we’re directed to “put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” Jesus’ brother James reminds us to “resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” (4:7-8).

And then there are Peter’s words: ‘Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in your faith….” That lion acts like Scar, not Mufasa or Simba.

Morgan concludes, “When things are going badly, when you feel trapped between sword and sea, when you’re under assault, acknowledge the devil – but keep your eyes on Christ. He will see you through. He will make a way” (40).

Questions to Ponder:

·      Grab a few index cards and write out the scriptures mentioned above. Then place them in strategic places as a reminder of God’s protection amid the enemy’s presence.

·      What are you thinking & feeling when you consider you may be under enemy attack?

  

Hebrews 12:2 tells us to look to Jesus during times of difficulty. What are some practical ways of doing that during your present set of circumstances?