“And the Angel of God, who went before the camp of Israel, moved and went behind them; and the pillar of cloud went from before them and stood behind them. So it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel. Thus it was a cloud and darkness to the one, and it gave light by night to the other, so that the one did not come near the other all that night.” Exodus 14:19-20 NKJV
Most of us are familiar with the expression, “caught between a rock and a hard place”. I think that expression could accurately describe what the children of Israel were feeling when they looked at the Red Sea before them, and the Egyptian army behind them. One way or another I think everyone has, at one time or another, encountered a situation much like this in their lives. Coming to the realization that you can’t go back, but certainly troubled and uncertain about what the future holds can be more than a little unsettling. At this point in time, it would seem that many in the body of Christ feel we as a Church are in just that position.
The truth is, I can completely understand that because much of what I am hearing and reading from other believers surrounds the persecution we are facing and a very uncertain future before us. As I thought about where we are this past week, it seemed the comparison of where we find ourselves and where the Israelites found themselves at the Red Sea was inevitable. So I spent some serious time considering the similarities and thought I would share just a few of my thoughts with you today with the hope that you might feel encouraged about our future.
The Relationship Changed
“Now there arose a new king over Egypt, who did not know Joseph. And he said to his people, “Look, the people of the children of Israel are more and mightier than we; “come, let us deal shrewdly with them, lest they multiply, and it happen, in the event of war, that they also join our enemies and fight against us, and so go up out of the land.” Therefore they set taskmasters over them to afflict them with their burdens. And they built for Pharaoh supply cities, Pithom and Raamses.” Exodus 1:8-11 NKJV
Many forget that in the beginning, the Israelites were not slaves in Egypt. The Pharaoh of Joseph’s time was friendly towards them, but when a new king arrived on the scene, (sound familiar?) they were perceived as a threat and began to be persecuted. For the past four years it would be fair to say that believers have had a very special and supportive relationship with those in power, but in all honesty, it has already become apparent that the future for those who choose to believe in God is going to change dramatically.
God’s People Cried for Deliverance
“Now it happened in the process of time that the king of Egypt died. Then the children of Israel groaned because of the bondage, and they cried out; and their cry came up to God because of the bondage. So God heard their groaning, and God remembered His covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. And God looked upon the children of Israel, and God acknowledged them.” Exodus 2:23-25 NKJV
If anything, the current situation we have found ourselves in has produced what many consider to be an unprecedented increase in prayer and supplication to our Father in heaven. The events of the past year have served to remind the body of Christ of the importance of prayer and going before God with our concerns while relying on Him to provide that which we need. I am especially encouraged to hear that many are not only expecting the rapture of the Church, but actively praying for our deliverance. Fortunately we as believers know that just as God heard the groaning of the Israelites, He also chose to answer their prayers.
God Delivers His People
“And Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever. “The LORD will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.” Exodus 14:13-14 NKJV
Right now under the present circumstances, just like the children of Israel in Egypt, the Church finds herself caught between a rock and a hard place. The world is becoming increasing hostile towards us and unfortunately our own nation appears to be following suit. The Word of God tells us that this world is going to be judged for her sins, so this is where we find ourselves today; persecuted from behind with the coming judgment in front. Fortunately for the Church, Jesus Christ, God’s only begotten Son, will save us from the coming wrath by way of the rapture of the Church.
God Judges the Wicked
“Then the LORD said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand over the sea, that the waters may come back upon the Egyptians, on their chariots, and on their horsemen.” And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and when the morning appeared, the sea returned to its full depth, while the Egyptians were fleeing into it. So the LORD overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea. Then the waters returned and covered the chariots, the horsemen, and all the army of Pharaoh that came into the sea after them. Not so much as one of them remained.” Exodus 14:26-28 NKJV
I have often been asked if I believe we as believers will be able to watch what happens on earth during the tribulation from our home in Heaven with our Lord. I really have no idea but I suspect that we will. God allowed the children of Israel to watch the sea return to destroy their enemies, I believe, to show them He keeps His promises to not only to deliver but to righteously judge. The cry of God’s people throughout history has always been; “why do the evil prosper?”, so to actually witness His divine judgment seems appropriate. Again, I don’t know that we will see Him judge but I do know we have His promise that He will.
So while we feel caught in the middle, the truth is that we are close to hearing the call to come home and spend eternity with our Lord. As we eagerly wait for that moment, may we all remember to give thanks to God for His gift of salvation to us through the blood of His Son, Jesus Christ. If you have never made the decision to accept that free gift I encourage you to do so today. Simply ask God to forgive you of your sin based on your belief that Jesus died to pay the price for your sin, and turn over control of your life to Him. You can do that right now by praying a prayer just like this one;
"Dear Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner. I believe You died for my sins. Right now, I turn from my sins and open the door of my heart and life. I confess You as my personal Lord and Savior. Thank You for saving me. Amen."
Keep watching.
