The Bible in Art: Crossing the Red Sea    

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Verses for Consideration: Exodus 14:13-14

13 Moses answered the people, “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. 14 The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”

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“God seems so distant,” a lonely woman said. “Couldn’t he just give me a hand to hold once in a while?” This woman wanted deliverance from loneliness, and she had determined that a touch of someone’s hand now and again would satisfy her need.

While all of us may not struggle with loneliness, we all can name some need. Yet, do we really know what we need?

Suppose God had told some of the Israelites on the shore of the Red Sea to name their greatest need as Pharaoh’s army drew closer. Some might have answered, “My greatest need is a ship.” Others might have said “a horse” or “weapons with which to fight.” Yet what would have happened if God had given them what they thought they needed?

In times of fear, despair, or frustration, our greatest need isn’t for money, a more rewarding job, or any other tangible thing. Our greatest need is for a deeper trust in our almighty God and his plan to deliver us.

Notice the way Moses directed his people in their hour of need: “Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today.” When the Israelites had their backs against the Red Sea, more than just their lives was at stake. If they had died there, God could not have fulfilled his promise of sending a Savior. Therefore, he would not leave them.

You can have the same confidence. The greatest need you will ever have is for a Savior from your sins. God worked out that deliverance in the person of his Son, Jesus Christ. Because he paid that price to make you his child, surely he will care for you so that you will reach eternal life with him.

Prayer: Lord, help me see that your love and ability to deliver me from difficult situations are far greater than any problems I might have. Help me always keep in mind your ultimate goal: the salvation of my soul. Amen.

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Title: The Crossing of the Reed Sea (1481-82)

Artist: Cosimo Rosselli