Let the Water flow!

Exodus 14:28
“28 The water flowed back and covered the chariots and horsemen—the entire army of Pharaoh that had followed the Israelites into the sea. Not one of them survived.”

The story of the Nation of Israel coming out of Egypt and Pharaoh’s oppression of God’s people is probably one of the best known and most told accounts from the Bible. From the 10 plagues that the Lord rained down, to the Passover feast and the crossing of the Red Sea, it’s quite a story of God’s power, might, and bend towards rescue.

As the Hebrew people reached the Red Sea, they looked back and saw the Egyptian army chasing after them. They saw their tormentors and oppressors giving chase and feared that soon they would be captive again. Despite all that God had done for them, they were afraid of what was coming behind them. The people cried out to Moses, “Why did you bring us out here to die? We would have been better off in Egypt!” Moses, hearing this, said some powerful words, words that even today we should live by. “Do not be afraid! Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you. The Egyptians you see today, you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still!” (Exodus 14:13) Then the Lord spoke to Moses and told him what He was going to do.

We all know the story. Moses held up his staff as God had commanded and the sea parted. The nation of Israel crossed over on dry land while God, clothed in a cloud of darkness, withdrew behind the people to restrain the Egyptian army. After all of Israel was across the sea, God allowed the Egyptian army to attempt passage. As they entered, He let loose the waters and destroyed them!

What a powerful tale of God’s love for His people. A story that reflects perfectly the picture of Jesus’ redemption for us on the Cross. Like the nation of Israel, we have been held in bondage by sin. Whether it’s addictions, anger, sexual temptation, or idolatry, we have all been held captive and tormented. But because of His sacrifice on the Cross, we have been set free. The Living Water that is Jesus was parted for us so that we could cross on dry land. On Calvary He became the Red Sea. He stretched out His hands and revealed all of who He was. Then He cried out, “It is finished!” The tormentor that chases us, the sin that plagues us, was washed away, covered by the Blood of Christ. The Living Water swallowed up our oppressor so that we could live!