You know siblings, the joy of reflecting on the Word with you all in this way, is that sometimes it feels like we’re watching (okay, reflecting on) a Netflix series. Well, actually, it’s more like old school. Remember when we’d hear or see, Previously on (that show’s name), and then we would get highlights of what had happened in the last episode? Or it would be a cliffhanger, and we’re left trying to figure out what comes next?
We were at the point yesterday when God began to give Moses the directive on the next steps. Some of us wondered what Moses would do next, while others realised that the instructions weren’t over. We have both a cliffhanger and a hint for us today, as we’re still not at the point where Moses acts. But we do get to hear the end of what YHWH said, as we reflect on what God’s Directive to Moses entailed. Consider Today’s Holy Nougat.
Exodus 14:18-19 AFV
[18] And the Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord when I will be glorified through Pharaoh, his chariots, and his horsemen.”
[19] And the angel of God, who went before the camp of Israel, moved. And he went to the rear of them. And the pillar of the cloud went from in front of them and it stood behind them.
Watch God Work
God’s work results in the revelation of God’s glory, whether humans choose to see it or not. Psalm 19:1 tells us, The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament displays God’s handiwork. That’s what YHWH assured Moses was going to happen for the Egyptians. As God saved the Children of Israel, the Egyptians would have the opportunity to truly see God’s glory. I suspect however, that it might have been too late for them.
Self-Check
Have we been lollygagging about what God is revealing to, and seeking to do with us? May it be that we’re not too late.
Deeper Dive
Immediately after giving the directive… before Moses could lift the rod in his hand, God acted.
In front of the fearful, unbelieving Children of Israel; in the sight of the thundering Egyptian army; as Moses stood at the bank of the red sea… the angel of the Lord shifted position – there was a divine shifting of circumstances.
It didn’t immediately make sense. Why would the angel move from *in front of* the Children of Israel to behind them? YHWH told them to go forth and walk on dry land. So, it seems natural that God and God’s emissary, the angel of YHWH, should lead the way as proof that the sea would become dry land.
Not
(And while I know that’s not God’s Modus Operandi, I’m sure I heard a self-satisfied mama voice saying, ‘I’ve told you time and time again – “My ways are not your ways“. Do you get that? What part of Isaiah 55:8-9 do you not understand?)
The fact is, if the Egyptians were to get an up-close-and-personal view of God’s glory, there would be no obstruction.
That angel went behind the Children of Israel, and the visible sign of God’s presence was right there moving to the rear of the Hebrews. That cloud, God’s Spirit wasn’t hovering as in Genesis 1.
Nope
God’s Spirit was between the Egyptians and the Children of Israel!
Literally
A separation as if between sheep and goats occurred.
What happened next is utterly miraculous. But what should happen now is that we each should begin to believe that YHWH, the Great IAM, can do the same for you and me. In Isaiah 52 we are reminded/assured that God is both before us and our Rear-guard. So the stabs in the back, the unexpected/surprise attacks on our character and person are not shocking to YHWH. Our God literally has our backs and stands between us and what’s coming.
When God gets into position
When the angel of the Lord (Y’shua) moves behind us
When the Cloud of God’s Spirit steps between us and our Egyptians …
… it’s time to stand still and see God’s glory revealed.
Watch God Work
Point to Ponder
Are we truly ready to see God work?
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May all we seek be found in Christ
