Several
“Ahs” and “Ohs” could be heard from the people watching right behind Moses.
They had learnt so much about the God of their fathers in these past weeks.
They have seen His hand of mercy on them and His hand of wrath on their
enemies, and they have come to believe that He really does exist. Today was no
exception. In fact, if anyone had a doubt whatsoever, what their eyes just saw
was enough to erase any such iota.
Just
a few minutes before now, they had wailed and cried bitterly. The miracle that
God wrought through Moses to open up the Red Sea had looked more like a curse
than a blessing to them. Unbelieving men began murmuring again in anger, while
others swore their doom. If Pharaoh caught up with them, they were sure it was
all over. This, they thought, before seeing another wonder.
As
the Egyptians were approaching very swiftly towards them also on dry land, in
the middle of the sea, Moses stretched forth his rod. And as quickly as the sea
parted hours before, the sea closed its pathway. They all could see -
charioteers in their chariots tumbling over; horses bleating desperately and
horsemen fighting for their lives; Pharaoh and his entire entourage struggling
for one last gasp of air until the great sea overcame them at last.
Oh,
the Israelites had learned about God. They had seen His many wonders. They had
jubilated, singing and dancing to the LORD. But for some minutes after what
they saw, no one could move. With eyes widened and mouths agape, they were
awed. Of all the lessons they had learned about God, this wonder just taught
them their most important lesson yet. God is fearful in praises.
Even
Moses through whom God had performed this miracle could not help but stand
amazed. Flashes of all the plagues that came upon the Egyptians ran through his
mind.
He
had never thought of it deeply until now. God is fearful in praises. The same
God who sent forth all the plagues to the Egyptians is the same God who kept
them all from harm during those times. The same God who parted the Sea of Reeds
for them is the same God who closed it up against the Egyptians.
This
thought marveled Moses. He served a God can both kill and make alive. He’s as a
champion who is praised for defeating his enemies, and respected and honored by
his fans not just for his skills and fame, but mainly for fear of being dealt
with by him in the manner with which he had dealt with his enemies.
As
no other time, this was the time the Israelites learned to honor God, and
accept Him as not just the God of their fathers, but also as their God. Through
the years, the Lord will lead them as a pillar of cloud in the day and as a
pillar of fire in the night. Through the years, they learned more about God
being fearful in praises; for when they did his will, they felt his hand of
favor and mercy upon them; but when they disobeyed him, they witnessed his mercy
withdrawn from them, which meant defeat from enemy nations. Severally also did
they witness how God dealt with enemy nations for their sakes, while He
prospered them in the lands He gave to them.
Moses,
still awestruck, had to put himself together to address the crowd – his people
who had just been redeemed from the hands of their enemies. Their journey was
still long ways away, but he’d hoped it wouldn’t take too long to get to their
final destination. Although, first, they had to worship God at the mountains.
Pharaoh’s chariots and his host hath he cast into
the sea: his chosen captains also are drowned in the Rea Sea.
The depths have covered them: they sank into the
bottom as a stone.
And in the greatness of thine excellency thou
hast overthrown them that rose up against thee: thou sentest forth they wrath,
which consumed them as stubble.
The enemy said, “I will pursue, I will overtake,
I will divide the spoil; my lust shall be satisfied upon them; I will draw my
sword, my hand shall destroy them.”
Thou didst blow with thy wind, the sea covered
them: they sank as lead in the mighty waters.
Who is like unto thee, O LORD among the gods? Who is like thee, glorious
in holiness, fearful in praises…?
