Saturday, November 2, 2013

15/11 Series (Part 5): Fearful In Praises




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…?

2 comments: