The Clio messenger., 1913-08-15

repented and pursued (vv. 5-9. Then
first Of that complaining ". 10)
against which he struggled until God
took him from this earth. They
"cried" ". 10) but they did not rest.
1t did look like dangerous situation
and there were but three possible
methods of procedure. (D To return
to slavery, (b) to die in the wilder
ness. or (3) to go forward in faithful
obedience, trusting God for deliver
ance. Their salvation ". 13) was
from God, see Acts 4:12; Heb. 5:8, ..
Gods leading, 1881, %, had brought
them to this place; now He will mani.
fest His glory, will get unto Himself
honor ". III.
Testing the israelites.
!. Protection, w. 1922. AS the an-
gel of God (Christ?) came between
Israel and the Egyptians we are re-
minded of Ps. S4:7, 1.-The angel Of the
Lord encampeth round about them
that fear Him and delivereth them"
The same cloud that brought darkness
to the. Egyptians brought light to the
Israelites. Even so we have the
Light" Luke 1882; John 8:12, 9:5.
and are admonished to walk In the
light, Eph. 5:8. While God brought
confusion to the Egyptians and was
testing the Israelites by causing them
to fear not, stand still and see" ".
13), He was at the same time CIV
Ing Moses an opportunity to work out
His plan of deliverance ". 1C). AS
the strong east wind blew 1t heaped
up the waters, dried out the muddy
bottom and opened a passage for the
deliverance Of all the chosen ones.
Then it was time for prayer to cease
". IA, 15) and for action to begin,
the seemingly impossible is now quite
possible, Matt. 1926. Notice, how.
(Moses) In His work of deliverance.
It was q very simple shepherds stan
that God directed Moses to use.
Surely the power was not in the stan
nor in the arm back Of the staff. The
same waters that had seemed to be
such barrier are now used as o wall
Of protection ". 22) on the right hand
and on the left leaving no opportunity
for flank attack. Their only way
of escape was forward and each step
they took was one of faith.
II. Pursuit, Wv. 1925. Pharaoh had
Judged that the Israelites were en-
tangled, 'perplexed" ". 81 in the will
derness and that Moses had inadvert-
antly led them into natural trap
which was to the advantage of the
Egyptians. Further we Judge that
with the darkness of the cloud before
them. the Egyptians were not fully
aware Of the fact that they were fol-
lowing Israel into the midst Of the
waters. Blind fury will lead a man
into strange surroundings and to per-
form insane acts. This new way was
not prepared for Pharaoh nor Is the
straight and narrow path which leads
to glory for the unrepentant sinner.
Jehovah was near at hand that morn.
Ing watch" ". 24), even az today He
blesses those who keep that hour.
One look" from Jehovah brought
confusion and discomfort upon the
pursuers.
The ssfe Path.
Iii. Punishment, w. 2s-31. The path
that is safe for faith is no place for
the disobedient. God looking through
that cloud paralyzed the proud forces
Of Pharaoh in the place OF all places
most dangerous. God not alone looked
but took off their chariot wheels ana
fear overcame them. Then they real
lied that Jehovah was fighting and
sought to fee. Again God uses
man in the working out of His plan
and Moses is instructed to stretch
forth his hand over the sea, v. &c.
AS the morning breaks the waters re-
turn to their level, and again God
uses natural forces In a supernatural
manner. Like as one would shake
off some useless, offensive, appendage
SO God was rid of the army of Pha-
raoh ". 27 marg.). A careful read
ing OF this story, especially verse 2S
r. ", clearly indicates the probability
that Pharaoh himself did not perish.
Thus 1t was that Israel saw the hand
work of the Lord upor the Egyptianu
while they themselves remained q
saved people, saved by the power Of
Jehovah. Great fear came upon them
". 31) and they Believed the Lord
and His servant Moses" How sad
that their faith proved so short lived
and that they so soon murmured
against God and His servant Moses.
Thus we see tho nation delivered,
consecrated and placed under the di-
rect government and guidance of God.
Egypt did not keep faith with Israel
to let Them "go and worship'' and
God wrought complete delivercnce.
Gods judgment Of the sin of Egypt
was carried out to the last degree.
but ~ strict Justice On one hand is
Gods guidance and over against that
the lengths men will go whose hearts
are hardened in rebellion. The bias.
phemous daring OF the Egyptians was
robuked as they attempted to march