God Delivers from Dead-end Dilemmas (Exodus 14)
Sermon Summary
Sunday 16/3/25
Pastor David Yan
Every life has dilemmas. Some dilemmas are major; some minor. Israel had a major dilemma. Behind it was the Egyptian army in pursuit. In front was the Red Sea. How were they to cross? It was a dead-end dilemma.
The enemy relentlessly pursues God’s people. Jesus told Peter Satan desired to sift him like wheat (Luke 22:31). Peter later wrote the devil walks around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8). Christians, Satan seeks your destruction even though you are a child of God. But you are safe through the prayers of Jesus.
In dilemma Israel did what most of us would do. They complained. They preferred to go back to captivity in Egypt than to obey God. A dog goes back to lick its vomit (Prov. 26:11; 2 Peter 2:22). Israel was like that.
But Moses rose up and said, “Be still and see the salvation of the Lord.” In crisis be still and steady your mind. See the work of God. When God works; we watch.
At Calvary people could only look on as God through his Son Jesus did a great work. We cannot add or detract from the work of Christ. We can only watch.
God did a work that no one could imagine. Moses lifted his hands and raised his rod. The waters of the Red Sea parted and stood as banks on either side of Israel. Who could imagine this happening? Who can imagine that through the death of Jesus on a cross salvation would be offered to everyone?
The rod symbolizes the authority and power of God. Moses’s rod is mightier than Pharaoh’s army. That rod lifted above the waters, parted the waters. The Christian Church has Jesus’s authority to proclaim the gospel (Matt. 28:18,19). As Moses raised the rod of God we must raise the gospel of God. The waters shall part. Souls shall be delivered.
Israel crossed over on dry ground. God created a channel for several million people to cross over. They escaped from their dead-end dilemma. There is always a way of escape from dead-end dilemmas (1 Cor.10:13). God provides escape routes. We will not drown in our dilemmas.
The waters returned when Moses stretched out his hand with the rod. The Egyptians were overwhelmed. All who oppose God shall perish.
The Israelites saw the enemies dead on the sea shore. They would never forget this sight. They feared the Lord, believed in him and in Moses his servant.
God’s great works generate reverence. He is a great God. We do well to consider reverence when we assemble. Put away idle chatter. Be punctual to worship service. Let us have reverence for our Lord.
Dead-end dilemmas do not mean death. They are opportunities to exercise faith in God, to be still, and to see how he will work. And work he will. Be assured.