Peter Barnes: Exodus 14:13
(24 February 2019)
SERMON NOTES: STAND STILL AND SEE THE SALVATION OF THE LORD (Exodus 14:13)
The crossing of the Red Sea – which may have been originally called the Reed Sea – is referred to and celebrated in many parts of Scripture – Joshua 2:10; Ps.106:9; 136:13; Isaiah 51:10; 1 Cor.10:1-4.
1. God judges unbelievers.
– 14:1-2. The site is uncertain, but it is clear that this way is not the obvious way to go – 14:3-9.
– fearful situation in 14:10. God remains in control – 14:4, 8, 17.
– the fatal decision in 14:21-23. The result is judgment – 14:24-31. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God (Heb.10:31).
2. God’s people cannot save themselves.
– fear makes us panic, and lash out – 14:11-12. Murmuring in Phil.2:14-15.
– 14:15; Josh.7:6-9, 10-11. That is just thrashing about.
3. Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord.
– the angel of the Lord is present – this messenger of the Lord who is the Lord – 14:19-20; recall Ex.3:3.
– the first thing is to realise that we cannot save ourselves – Ex.14:13-14.
(a) Fear not. Gen.15:1.
(b) Stand firm.
(c) See the salvation of the Lord. John 6:29.
– 14:31. ‘Rabbi’ Duncan: ‘There is nothing but Christ between us and hell; and, thanks be to God, we need nothing else.’