Seeing her teach this children's class again brought back a wave of these memories. Mom told the story of the Red Sea parting to K4-5th graders. She might not have intended it for me, but the message came through loud and clear to my heart.
She had the kids imagine what it would have been like to have brought 2 million people out in the wilderness following a cloud only to be led to the sea with Egyptians chasing you... crazy! It doesn't make any sense. Why would God do that? And as mom said, the Israelites had no other options. When facing the Red Sea, they couldn't turn back (it would have meant certain slavery or death) and there was no way of going around - they had to go through it. Granted, we may not be facing a literal body of water with our former slave owners within sight - but what are you afraid of? What is something you are battling? What decisions are hard right now? What deadline or bill is quickly approaching that is requiring you to trust God? This is a Red Sea. We can not go around it, avoid it, or give up; we must go through it. Likely the Israelites were confused about the future, concerned for their families, tired from utter exhaustion travelling and overworking as slaves, and afraid; they were even complaining for being there. I am ashamed how often this could describe my response.
- When Pharaoh drew near, the people of Israel lifted up their eyes, and behold, the Egyptians were marching after them, and they feared greatly. And the people of Israel cried out to the LORD. Ex 10:14
So why where the Egyptians even chasing them? Pharaoh had already let the Israelites go. Yet, God who hardened Pharaoh's heart again because he wanted the Egyptians to see the glory of God.
- And I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and he will pursue them, and I will get glory over Pharaoh and all his host, and the Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD.” And they did so. (verse 4) ….
- And I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians so that they shall go in after them, and I will get glory over Pharaoh and all his host, his chariots, and his horsemen. And the Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD, when I have gotten glory over Pharaoh, his chariots, and his horsemen.” (verse 17-18)
- And did it work? Once they were in the middle of the Red Sea, with their chariot wheels stuck, "the Egyptians said, 'Let us flee from before Israel, for the LORD fights for them against the Egyptians.'" (v. 25)
- ..."Listen to me, .... The LORD is with you when you are with him. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will forsake you. 2 Chr. 15:2
- He said: "Listen, …This is what the LORD says to you: 'Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's. ...You will not need to fight in this battle. Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the LORD on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem.’ Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed. Tomorrow go out against them, and the LORD will be with you.” … And the fear of God came on all the kingdoms of the countries when they heard that the LORD had fought against the enemies of Israel. 2 Chr. 20:15, 17, 29
- The LORD your God who goes before you will Himself fight on your behalf, just as He did for you in Egypt before your eyes. Deut. 1:30
- …'Your eyes have seen all that the LORD your God has done to these two kings; so the LORD shall do to all the kingdoms into which you are about to cross. 'Do not fear them, for the LORD your God is the one fighting for you. Deut. 3:21-22
- He shall say to them, 'Hear, O Israel, you are approaching the battle against your enemies today. Do not be fainthearted. Do not be afraid, or panic, or tremble before them for the LORD your God is he who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory.’ Deut. 4:19-20
- When you go out to war against your enemies, and see horses and chariots and an army larger than your own, you shall not be afraid of them, for the LORD your God is with you, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt. Deut. 20:1
- Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you. Deut. 31:6
- When you hear the blast of the trumpet, rush to wherever it is sounding. Then our God will fight for us! Neh. 4:20
- For thus the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel, has said, "In repentance and rest you will be saved, In quietness and trust is your strength." But you were not willing, and you said, “No, for we will flee on horses,” therefore you shall flee! “And we will ride on swift horses,” therefore those who pursue you shall be swift. One thousand will flee at the threat of one man; you will flee at the threat of five, ... Therefore the LORD longs to be gracious to you, and therefore He waits on high to have compassion on you. For the LORD is a God of justice; how blessed are all those who long for Him. Is 30:15-18
- And Joshua captured all these kings and their land at one time, because the LORD God of Israel fought for Israel. Josh 10:42
- And you have seen all that the LORD your God has done to all these nations for your sake, for it is the LORD your God who has fought for you. …For the LORD has driven out great and strong nations from before you; and as for you, no man has stood before you to this day. "One of your men puts to flight a thousand, for the LORD your God is He who fights for you, just as He promised you. Josh 23:3, 9-10
Wassail
- 1 gallon (sugar-free) apple cider
- 1 gallon cranberry juice
- 1 (16oz) can pineapple with juice (chunk or crushed)
- 2 c. sugar
- 4 c. water
- 1 Tbsp. cinnamon
- 1 Tbsp. orange peel
- 1 Tbsp. nutmeg
- 1 package of "red hots"
- In large pot (we used a crock pot) mix apple cider and cranberry juice.
- In medium pot, mix remaining ingredients. Heat until candies melt. Add to juice.
- Serve warm or hot :) Delicious!