Paul told the Ephesians that their struggle was not against flesh and blood but against the unseen spiritual forces around them (Ephesians 6:12). He told the Corinthians that the weapons of their warfare were not of the flesh but had the power of God to demolish strongholds (2 Corinthians 10:4). The life of faith is one of conflict that God empowers for victory.
The Exodus was a visible outworking of this battle. At the heart of the conflict was the desire for Israel to worship Yahweh and Pharaoh’s desire to worship self. He would not loosen his grip easily but finally allowed the Hebrews to leave. Once they were gone, he recognized his folly and pursued them into the desert. Yahweh placed His people in what seemed a precarious position to draw Pharaoh to his demise.
The people were terrified of Pharaoh and his army, but Yahweh was fighting for them (14:25). He was leading. He was following. He was protecting. He was fighting a battle they could not see. He was establishing Himself as the only true God before the eyes of Egypt and Israel.
Israel had no weapons. Yahweh was their defender, and Moses declared that in his song of praise (15:1-18). Despite Yahweh’s goodness, the people grumbled. Walking away from sin is liberating but difficult. The pathway God provides is new and uncertain, and sin can look comfortable and attractive. Faith and obedience lead to growth and flourishing.
Pray for strength and wisdom to fight spiritual battles and obey.
