The Journey
Exodus 13:17-14:31
I. Introduction
Review: This past Sunday we look at the first part of Exodus 13, and in those verses we noticed the importance to be a people that takes the necessary steps to pursue sanctification.
Remember: Sanctification is the idea of being set-apart for God. To be pursue holiness as He is holy.
Context: Before we get too far, lets just remember what the scene is here at this point in Exodus:
The people have been in bondage in Egypt for over 400 years.
This bondage was preceded by a season in which Joseph held a high position in Egypt because of his ability to interpret the dreams that the Pharaoh was having. He instructed that there was going to be a big famine and that Egypt should prepare. As a result, the Pharaoh put him as 2nd in command. Israel benefitted from this because this preparation would preserve them during this famine.
Over time the Egyptian dynasty changed, and turned on Israel by putting them into bondage.
Finally, Moses was born. He was to be thrown into the Nile, but instead was adopted into the Egyptian household.
Long story short, Moses was called by God to the instrument to call Pharaoh to release the Israelites. Pharaoh repeatedly said no, and God poured out 10 plagues upon Egypt to change Pharaoh’s heart.
We are now at the point in the story where the people have been set free. They are stepping out on to a NEW JOURNEY with God, but this journey is not going to be a easy “walk in the park” (no pun intended). God will still use some pretty amazing events to grow them in their faith.??
What does your journey look like? If your anything like me, the journey that God has you on hasn’t included any “writing on the wall”, or “burning bush” experiences. Instead it has been a journey of faith where the clarity has been all but clear at times.?
Fair Weather Mountain Illustration: Fair-weather Mountain is one of the most spectacular mountains North America. Located off the southeast coast of Alaska, the mountain reaches 15,000 feet above sea level. Massive granite walls with deep ravines cut by cascading glaciers create an inspiring view. This view, however, can only be seen about twenty days a year when the weather is fair. The mountain is called Fair-weather because you can only see the full glory and beauty of the mountain when the fog clears.
Author, John Eldredge, uses Fair-weather Mountain as an illustration to describe how most people live their lives.
"Twenty days a year-that sounds like my life. I think I see what‘s really going on about that often. The rest of the time, it feels like fog ... I'd love to wake up each morning knowing exactly who I am and where God is taking me. Zeroed in on all my relationships, undaunted in my calling. It's awesome when I do see. But for most of us, life is more like driving with a dirty windshield. I can make out the shapes ahead, and I think the light is green…The description of the Christian life shouted in the New Testament compared with the actual experience is embarrassing ... we look a little foolish, like little children who've been held back a grade. (John Eldredge, Waking the Dead: The Glory of a Heart Fully Alive, Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2003, p.5-6.)?
What’s the point? Sometimes we simply live out our relationship with God like we are in a fog. We doubt His leading, we question His authority, and sometimes we even complain to Him because of the direction of our lives. As this author has stated, “we look a little foolish, like little children who’ve been held back a grade.”?
Transition: This morning we are going to go on a ride-a-long with the Israelites. Again, this isn’t going to be a casual “sightseeing journey”, but will be filled with odd turns and detours. The detours, although, will prove to be helpful to God’s people. Let’s journey along with them…
II. 7 Characteristics of The Journey (Exodus 13:17 - 14:31)
1. God: Let’s take the long way. (13:17-22)
In God’s wisdom, He lead the people the long way. There was good reason for this because there were Egyptian outposts along the typical routes to Canaan. He was concerned that the people would loose hope, and become discouraged too soon.
All along the way God lead His people with the unmistakable cloud by day and fire by night! ?
Can you identify with these people? You thought that when you first came to Christ you would be on the fast-track to living the good life, right? WRONG!!! Instead God seems to have lead you on a journey that appears to be taking allot longer than you expected.
And, just when you feel like your getting some clarity with the direction that God has for you He causes you to PAUSE… (see next verses)
2. God: Excuse me. Let’s stop here for a bit. (14:1-4)
As the people were traveling along in their new-found freedom God speaks up and tells them to “turn back and camp” by the sea.
Huh? Why does God want us to “turn back” and camp here for a bit?
God has a specific purpose. He wants to use this maneuver to spark Pharaoh’s interest as it may appear that they are lost.
Why would God want to attract Pharaoh’s attention? Did we leave him behind on purpose? This is what I would be thinking if I were these people. I would be thinking, “Bad idea God. Lets shift this caravan into high gear an keep moving as fast as we can away from this tyrannical dictator. I’ve had enough of this guy!”
Can you identify with this too? Just when you thought you were on the highway to freedom God seems to have brought you to a screeching stop. But why?
3. God: It worked! Pharaoh is coming! (14:5-9)
I know what your thinking, this is crazy right? Why would God taunt the enemy and get them to send at least 1,200 horses and men after the very people that He delivered them from?
4. Us: Uh, what are we doing here? (14:10-14)
They “were frightened”! I’d say they were frightened, and I would be too!
They Questioned?
God (v. 10b) - God, do you see those guys? What’s going on?
(v. 11) What are we doing out here Moses? This was your plan all along wasn’t it? What, were there not enough graves back in Egypt for you to kill us that you had to bring us out here?”
We knew we were right! (v. 12) We already told you to leave us alone! Why didn’t you?
Just Stand by guys! (v. 13) - Seriously Moses? Just “stand-by”? Yes, don’t you remember what He already did for you? Just TRUST HIM!!! He will be faithful to deliver!
5. God: I got this, just keep walking! (14:15-22)
Why are you crying out to me Moses? (v. 15) Just get the people walking forward toward the Sea. Yeah…I know that it looks like there is nowhere to go, but…
As for you, keep trusting me! (v. 16) - “stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it!”
This is all part of the plan! (v. 17-18) Pharaoh will eventually honor me as God!
I’ll keep them away all night! (vv. 19-20)
There will be a path in the morning! (vv. 21-22)
Again, Can you identify with this? Just when you think there is no hope God instructs you to keep moving and trust Him. The question is, do we really trust Him?
6. God: I told you I got this. (14:23-29)
Watch this guys! Soon, the army will be gone!!!
This is the climax of the story! This is what movies are made for! To see the underdogs come out victorious under the ruthless oppression of their enemies!
What about this? Can you identify with this? How many times has God shown you that He has your back? That He has all this in control?
What does this do in your heart? (see next verses…)
7. Us: Wow! He really does love us. (14:30-31)
Wow! God really came through for them this time.
We really do trust Him, and His plans now!
The funny thing here is that this seems so sincere! And, I am sure it is, but I also know where things go with these same people later in the story line.
What’s the point? The journey with God is not a boring journey. It’s not one of a mere acknowledgment that God is God, but its a journey that TESTS us, and GROWS us all along the way. This is why its so important that we are a people who see ourselves as HIS people, a people set-apart for Him.
III. 4 Lessons from their Journey (Exodus 13:17 - 14:31)
It’s at this point that I want to take moment to connect their story with our story. What lessons can be learned from reading about their journey?
It Starts with Deliverance
We must remember that they never would have been on this journey with God IF God never delivered them.
The same goes for us. We would never have the privilege to be on a life-long journey with God if we were still being held captive by our sins.
See Romans 5:6-11 - God loved us. God delivered us. All while we were enemies of Him! What a great God we serve that He would DELIVER US!
See Romans 6:17-18 - Once a slave of sin, now freed from sin!!!
1. It Proceeds with Faith
Our first steps on our journey with God is marked by faith.
Just like the Israelites, we can’t see what the road ahead looks like. But, we just start walking with Him, trusting that He will lead us in the right direction.
See Hebrews 11:23-29 - Notice, it was FAITH in God that kept Moses on the Journey with God!
See Hebrews 12:1-2 - So, with such great examples, lets get moving on this journey with Him!
2. It is Tested by Trials
As many of us have experience, this journey of faith that we are on is tested.
Are we really fully surrendered to Him? Even when things are tough?
See 1 Peter 4:12-13 - These Christians have been greatly persecuted, and falsely accused of wrong doing by the ruthless leader Nero.
3. It Leads us to Him
What’s the purpose of this whole journey?
This is a good question to ask, because if we don’t know why we are even on this journey then we will never remain faithful when the trials come?
So, what’s the purpose? To lead us to HIM!!!
See Jude 17-25 - Why do we stay the course? Because the goal is “stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy” (v. 24).
So, how are you doing on this Journey with God?
