REDEEMED THROUGH THE SEA

The scripture says that when the Hebrews finally left Egypt God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, “If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.” So God led the people around by the desert road toward the Red Sea. (Exodus 13:17, 18) It strikes me that God is treating Israel, his son, like a young child who is just learning what the world is like. He takes the part of a loving father who is protecting his son from encountering a test that might prove too great for him. Just as I might allow my sons to face tests and trials while ensuring that none of them would completely devastate them and discourage them.

The loving father wants to encourage his son so he shows him how strong he is and how safe the son is with the father. I always knew I was safe with my dad around. He was so strong and so smart that nothing bad could happen to me as long as I was close to him. So God leads his son right to the shore of the Red Sea, hardens Pharaoh’s heart, and sends Egypt’s army after him. All this is done so the father will gain glory and the son will learn to trust his father.

God himself stands between his son and danger. He parts the Red Sea and the son crosses over safely. The Egyptian army chases the son into the sea and the father destroys it. If the son will just keep his eyes fixed on the father he will be safe!

Israel sees the mighty deliverance of the hand of God and begins to sing a hymn of praise. I love these two phrases from Exodus 15. In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed (v.13). By the power of your arm they will be as still as stone until your people pass by, O LORD, until the people you bought pass by (v.16). Israel is the people God redeemed and the people God bought! The same terminology used for the church under the New Covenant. By his blood Jesus redeemed his people. He paid the price of redemption and bought them!

We are God’s sons. He is our almighty Father. We were adopted into his royal family because our older brother redeemed us and bought us. As long as we keep our eyes fixed on our father nothing can hurt us. He is a loving father and will lead us to his rest.