Series EXODUS with Pastor Mark Finley
Lesson 6.Through the Red Sea
God’s Power and Israel’s Trust
The story of Israel’s exodus from Egypt reaches its dramatic climax in this lesson. God not only leads His people out of slavery but also reveals His power over nature, nations, and human hearts. The crossing of the Red Sea becomes a symbol of faith in times of crisis—and of God’s faithfulness despite human doubt. At the same time, we see how God prepares His people: through commands, consecration, and worship. These events challenge us today to move forward in faith, even when the path is uncertain. For the God who saved then is still mighty to act today.
Content:
6.1 Go, and Worship the Lord
When Insight Is Not Repentance
Pharaoh’s request for a blessing reveals his late and shallow acknowledgment of God’s power. Although he allowed Israel to leave, it was not out of true repentance but out of exhaustion and defeat. His heart remained hardened—he wanted to stop the destruction, not change his ways. In contrast, the Israelites left Egypt under God’s provision, richly compensated for generations of injustice. This moment reminds us that true repentance comes not from fear of consequences, but from the realization of having done wrong. Only then can it lead to genuine transformation and God’s blessing.
6.2 Consecration of the Firstborn
Redeemed for a Life Belonging to God
The consecration of the firstborn reminded Israel that everything they owned—even their children—ultimately belonged to God. Through the blood of the lamb, their firstborn sons had been spared, and this redemption called for a response: dedication, gratitude, and obedience. Redeeming their sons and sacrificing animals became visible signs of faith. Even today, real faith is shown not just in words but in action—like a seal on the forehead and a sign on the hand. God’s grace sets us free, but our response must be lived devotion. To be redeemed means consciously giving our lives back to God.
6.3 Crossing the Red Sea
When Faith Is Put to the Test
When the Israelites left Egypt, God didn’t lead them by the shortest route, but by the safest—through His visible presence in the pillar of cloud and fire. Though they marched in formation like an army, their trust remained fragile. Faced with Pharaoh’s approaching army, they panicked and forgot God’s mighty acts. But Moses believed, and through him, God revealed His power again—the sea opened, and the path to freedom became visible. The Red Sea crossing marked a turning point: from fear to faith, from slavery to liberation. Our faith, too, is tested—but God’s paths always lead to salvation.
6.4 Marching Forward by Faith
Trust Despite Fear
Despite the people’s wavering faith, God acted powerfully on Israel’s behalf—out of grace, not their strength. Moses urged the people not to fear, to stand firm, to watch for God’s deliverance, and to trust in His action. These four principles remain relevant when our faith is challenged. God’s command to Moses—”Go forward”—shows that faith means acting on God’s word, even when the path isn’t yet open. Only when Moses moved in faith did the sea part. When we step forward in faith, God’s power becomes visible in astonishing ways.
6.5 The Song of Moses and Miriam
Praise After the Victory
The Song of Moses is a powerful expression of praise and gratitude to God, who delivered His people with a mighty hand. It celebrates not only the physical victory over Egypt but emphasizes God’s character: His strength, holiness, love, and faithfulness. The entire song focuses on who God is and what He does. It shows that true worship flows from experiencing God’s work firsthand. As then, so too in the end times, a song will be sung—the Song of Moses and the Lamb—as eternal praise for God’s justice and redemption. This hope for final justice brings comfort and strengthens our present faith.
6.6 Summary
From Doubt to Trust
Lesson 6 describes the pivotal moment when God led His people out of slavery and revealed His power over the Egyptian empire. Despite the Israelites’ fear and weak faith, God remained faithful, protected them, and opened the path through the sea. Pharaoh acted out of pride and rebellion, not true repentance. The consecration of the firstborn and the Exodus show that salvation always requires a response of faith and obedience. The Song of Moses and Miriam expresses deep gratitude for God’s deliverance and is a prophetic preview of the eternal praise of the redeemed. This lesson reminds us: when we move forward in faith, God acts—powerfully, justly, and to save.
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