Plan for: Thanksgiving | Advent | Christmas
This sermon explores God's glory, guidance, and guarantee of victory in challenging circumstances, urging believers to trust in His deliverance and remain steadfast in faith.
Good morning, dear friends. It's a joy to be here with you today, standing at the cusp of a message that promises to be a beacon of hope and a wellspring of encouragement. As we gather in the house of our Lord, let's prepare our hearts to receive from His Word, to glean from the rich tapestry of the divine narrative that unfolds in Exodus 14:4-15.
In the words of Charles Spurgeon, "A Bible that’s falling apart usually belongs to someone who isn’t." Let us be those people whose Bibles are well-thumbed, whose hearts are steeped in Scripture, and whose lives are a testament to the transformative power of God's Word.
In the narrative of Exodus, we see a God who is not distant or detached, but one who is intimately involved in the affairs of His people. He's not a passive observer, but an active participant. The hardening of Pharaoh's heart, the pursuit of the Israelites, and the eventual victory of God's people all serve to highlight one undeniable truth - God is in control. He is the author of our stories, the director of our paths, and the orchestrator of events that reveal His glory.
The glory of God is not a nebulous, abstract idea. It is a tangible reality, demonstrated in the unfolding of human history and the personal experiences of His people. In the pursuit of the Israelites by Pharaoh and his army, we see a God who is not threatened by the powers of this world. He is not intimidated by the might of Pharaoh's chariots or the size of his army. Instead, He uses these very elements to display His power and majesty.
In the face of seemingly insurmountable odds, the Israelites were terrified. They cried out to the Lord, questioning the wisdom of their departure from Egypt. But God, in His infinite wisdom and sovereignty, had a plan. He was not caught off guard by the Egyptians' pursuit. He was not scrambling to come up with a solution. He had already set the stage for a demonstration of His glory that would leave no room for doubt about who He is.
The Israelites' fear and doubt did not diminish God's glory. Instead, it provided a backdrop against which His power and majesty could shine even brighter. When we find ourselves in situations that seem hopeless, when the odds are stacked against us, and when fear and doubt threaten to overwhelm us, we can take comfort in the knowledge that our God is in control. He is not surprised by our circumstances. He is not scrambling to come up with a plan. He has already set the stage for a demonstration of His glory that will leave no room for doubt about who He is.
Moses' response to the Israelites' fear and doubt is a powerful reminder of our call to trust in God. "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." These words echo down the corridors of time, a timeless truth that speaks to our hearts today. In the face of fear and doubt, we are called to stand firm, to trust in God's deliverance, and to rest in the knowledge that the battle belongs to the Lord.
The final verse of our passage reveals a God who is not only powerful and sovereign, but also personal and relational. "Then the LORD said to Moses, 'Why are you crying out to me? Tell the Israelites to move on.'" God speaks to Moses, not in a voice of rebuke, but in a voice of reassurance. He reminds Moses of His power, His plan, and His promise. He reassures Moses that He is in control, that He is fighting for His people, and that His glory will be revealed.
As we continue our reflection on this passage, we find ourselves in the midst of chaos, much like the Israelites ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO