Moses Meets Universal Studios (or, Walking Through on Dry Ground)

Have you ever wondered what it must have felt like to follow Moses through the middle of the Red Sea?  We all know the story:  The Israelites were on their way out of Egypt heading towards the Promised Land.  Pharaoh’s army was coming up behind them.  And, then they ran right up against the Red Sea – completely blocking their escape route.  They needed a miracle, and God didn’t disappoint!  Moses held out his hand; the water parted; and he led the children of Israel through on DRY GROUND.  (Exodus 14)  Crazy, right? 

It sounds really cool, but it was probably a little scary.  We don’t know exactly how it happened or what it looked like, but we can imagine.  In fact, when we visited Universal Studios in Florida recently, we got a little taste of what it might have been like.  We went through the Poseidon’s Adventure attraction, and there is a point where a door opens up and you have to walk through a tunnel with water swirling up the sides and overhead.  You go through on “dry ground,” but you can hear the rush of air and water all around you, and you can feel the mist on your face and arms as you walk through.

It must have been like that for the Israelites.  The ground was dry, but I believe that they still felt the effects of the water piled high on either side of them and the wind that was holding it back.  They had to feel a certain degree of confidence given the miracle that was evident all around them.  But, they could also hear Pharaoh’s army quickly approaching behind them; so, their faith may have been mingled with fear. 

I guess this has been on my mind recently because I’m feeling a lot like the Israelites in the middle of the Red Sea.  I’m heading in a new direction in my life right now, and I’m leaving the comfort of the familiar behind.  I feel confident in the direction.  In fact, I’ve been reassured by these scriptures over and over again:

Psalm 139:4-6: “ Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely.   You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me.   Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.”

Isaiah 52:11-12: “Depart, depart, go out from there! ... for the Lord will go before you, the God of Israel will be your rear guard.”

I know that the Lord is going before me and preparing the way – just like He went before the Israelites and parted the Red Sea.  And, I can feel His presence behind me, protecting me from any danger that might try to sneak up on me  – just like He came along behind the Israelites and let the Red Sea crash in on Pharaoh and his army. 

But, to my surprise, things have been a little bumpy as I’ve traveled down this path.  Fear has tried to creep in – opportunities have tried to distract – misunderstandings have tried to break down relationships – and I’ve wondered why… Why, if the Lord goes before me and behind me – leading me and protecting me – why do I still feel shaken at times?  And, as I thought about the story of Moses and the Red Sea, I began to understand. 

I realized that I am, in fact, in a SAFE place – I am on the RIGHT path – I am PROTECTED by the mighty hand of God.  But, I’m NOT IMMUNE to the forces of the world around me.  I can still feel its effects.  However, if I stay focused and faithful - if I persevere – I’m learning that I can remain immune to its consequences and come out unscathed on the other side.  I might be a little damp from the mist and out of breath from running the last few yards before the water closes in behind me, but I’ll get there – safe and sound.

So, if things in your life are a little bumpy right now, think about the folks who followed Moses into the Red Sea and walked through on dry ground.  Keep pressing forward.  Don’t look at the water all around you.  And, remember that God’s got your back, so you can make it through to the other side…