Exodus 14 documents God’s redemption of His wayward people, from the Egyptians. Wayward because when the drought had passed, they failed to return to the land God gave them. Instead, they remained in Egypt, merging the culture with theirs. God could have forcibly removed but He allowed them to enter from bondage. Their hearts were already in bondage to the world around them. But God does not make us do anything. We have free will. He wants us to choose Him. Although He will never force us, He will make us uncomfortable in our sins. Why was 430 years of Egyptian bondage, not enough discomfort for His people to plan an escape? Was it easier to embrace their bondage and accept Egyptian idols? They acclimated to the culture, forfeiting their own.
With God’s intervention, the time came for their departure. God parted the Red Sea rendering dry ground for their crossing. I might have made them trudge through the mud for their treason against me. God is more forgiving. More tender. More gracious. God thrust the bars of the prison doors open wide for their race to freedom across dry land. He forgave His stubborn, rebellious children.
Having parented teenagers, I have witnessed rebellion. Forgiveness has been extended and sought s on numerous occasions. As I think of rebellion, I can’t help but see a little in myself. I am free but do I value this freedom? In what ways do I remain a rebellious child seeking affirmation from the world’s accolades? A pat on the back, affirming words, awards, trophies, a bigger house, a better car, and education, to name a few. Why is my position, as His daughter, not enough affirmation? Confession – the area I am most rebellious: I do not cherish the body He has given me by taking good care of it. Specifically, I don’t exercise. I’m not hard on myself. I am willing to see sin honestly. Second in line would be a residual desire for words of affirmation. Those words can be too important. I’ll save this sin for another discussion.
Our Savior hid our sins, past, present, and future from the face of God. Jesus stands between us and God. His perfection allows us to approach the throne of God in confidence. He tore open the jailhouse doors, and removed our shackles of sin, for us to run to freedom. The cross created a path to freedom. How will we use our freedom?
Father, Protect our hearts from the pull toward our surrounding culture. Let us joyfully embrace the gift of freedom, shaking aside our rebellious nature. Give us the courage to move closer to You and farther away from the world’s culture. In Jesus name, Amen
