At this time of the year, most people will have had a look back at this last year and be making resolutions for the year to come. Especially this year many of you might have found the year hard because of the Covid-19 Pandemic. We have heard that many people in this world have been unable to move around and have lost their loved ones and their jobs. We are not quite sure of how long this Pandemic will continue or when it will be over. As we know, we are living in difficult times. And some of you will be wondering how to survive in this new uncertain world.
These passages of Exodus 14:1-14 show us that our God was guiding the people of Israel to Canaan, which was known to be God’s plan for the final destination of his chosen people to live in Canaan. When they arrived at the Red Sea, they had a problem because the people of Israel were stuck between the Red Sea and the armies of Egypt. They could not go forward because of the Red Sea. Also, they could not go backward because of the Egyptian armies. They must have been afraid, because they could not do anything.
God gave people help in this difficult situation. Exodus 14:10 says, “As Pharaoh approached, the Israelites looked up, and there were the Egyptians, marching after them. They were terrified and cried out to the Lord.”
The Israelites were afraid but came to God and asked for his help. I think this is what we need to do, as people who believe in Christ and our Lord. Because our God is with us and is helping us to succeed here on earth even in troubled times. People of Israel were instructed to obey God.
To be obedient means that children of God must be prepared to hear the word of God, put it into practice, to show it to others, and teach them or show them by example how to follow God at all times (Deuteronomy 6:4-7). However, the people of Israel complained rather than obeyed God. And yet, even though people complained, God did not punish but helped them to survive.
Exodus 14:13-14 says, Moses answered the people, "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still."
How can this story from so long ago help us today, as we look back on a difficult year and look forward to a new year? The fact is that as always we will learn several things from this passage.
First of all, the bible says, “do not be afraid.” Living in this uncertain world, we might be afraid. However, our God says “do not be afraid no matter what happens".
Secondly, the passage tells us to “Stand firm.” This does not mean that we do not have to do anything. The people of Israel followed the word of God in one hand and held their weapons in another hand. This means that children of God must depend upon God and live a godly life in this world.
Finally, the bible says, “God will fight for you. You need only to be still.” The people of Israel could not do anything between the Red Sea and the Egyptian armies. The only thing they could do was to obey God. They complained at some stage. But this did not help them. The best way is to ask God for his help. At this time, the mighty God did great works for the people of Israel. Still today our God will do and can do his great works for his people. What we can do is to obey God in this world no matter where we go and what we do.
So, as we look forward to the New Year, let us be still, let us ask the Lord to guide us, let us listen to his word, and let us be peaceful and joyful in the birth of his Son who came to earth to show us the way.
Rev Dr Je Cheol Cook
God gave people help in this difficult situation. Exodus 14:10 says, “As Pharaoh approached, the Israelites looked up, and there were the Egyptians, marching after them. They were terrified and cried out to the Lord.”
The Israelites were afraid but came to God and asked for his help. I think this is what we need to do, as people who believe in Christ and our Lord. Because our God is with us and is helping us to succeed here on earth even in troubled times. People of Israel were instructed to obey God.
To be obedient means that children of God must be prepared to hear the word of God, put it into practice, to show it to others, and teach them or show them by example how to follow God at all times (Deuteronomy 6:4-7). However, the people of Israel complained rather than obeyed God. And yet, even though people complained, God did not punish but helped them to survive.
Exodus 14:13-14 says, Moses answered the people, "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still."
How can this story from so long ago help us today, as we look back on a difficult year and look forward to a new year? The fact is that as always we will learn several things from this passage.
First of all, the bible says, “do not be afraid.” Living in this uncertain world, we might be afraid. However, our God says “do not be afraid no matter what happens".
Secondly, the passage tells us to “Stand firm.” This does not mean that we do not have to do anything. The people of Israel followed the word of God in one hand and held their weapons in another hand. This means that children of God must depend upon God and live a godly life in this world.
Finally, the bible says, “God will fight for you. You need only to be still.” The people of Israel could not do anything between the Red Sea and the Egyptian armies. The only thing they could do was to obey God. They complained at some stage. But this did not help them. The best way is to ask God for his help. At this time, the mighty God did great works for the people of Israel. Still today our God will do and can do his great works for his people. What we can do is to obey God in this world no matter where we go and what we do.
So, as we look forward to the New Year, let us be still, let us ask the Lord to guide us, let us listen to his word, and let us be peaceful and joyful in the birth of his Son who came to earth to show us the way.
Rev Dr Je Cheol Cook