Do you ever find yourself investing time in regret?  Frequently looking back on decisions made, words not spoken, and long lists of ‘should haves’?  I’ve discovered myself engaging in these kinds of thoughts a lot lately; beating myself up over things that have already happened which I no longer have any control to impact or change.

This is not a new problem though.  Actually these same doubts and regrets have existed for centuries.  Take the Israelites for example. In Exodus 14, they are finally headed out of Egypt – out of bondage, slavery and oppression.  Verse 8 tells us they even went out boldly.  They were marching out of the land with some strength .

Then, just two verses later, the Israelites make the mistake we all at times tend to make – they looked back.  In looking back, they see the Egyptian army chasing after them.  The boldness they were experiencing evaporates, and they begin crying out to the Lord.  If only they could just have stopped after crying out to Him!

They don’t.

Oh no.  Next they do what so many of us do when faced with fear – they complained.

Why?  Why did you do this to us?  Didn’t you hear us say ‘leave us alone’?

How many times have you and I asked these same questions?

The Israelites receive two instructions after their tantrum: shut up (v.14) and go forward (v. 15).

That’s it.

Don’t worry about looking back.  You are not there anymore.  Don’t fret over what has already taken place.  Keep your mouth shut and keep moving forward.

God will take care of everything else.

He had already been doing this.

Verse 19 says an angel of God had been going before the camp.  The Israelites had a guide leading the way.  But remember, they looked back; they took their eyes off the guide.

As the Israelites refocus the angel of God moves from before them to behind them, (v. 19).  With the Egyptians blocked, by God Himself, from their pursuit, the Israelites travel through the midst on dry ground in safety.  The Egyptians travel into the midst and are completely destroyed.

Don’t miss that.

The Israelites – when their focus was back on God and His direction – are brought through the midst.

This is the same for us.  If we will keep our eyes and hearts focused on the only One knowing the way we should go and follow Him in obedience, He will take us through any midst we encounter.

His instructions are simple and clear.

Keep silent.  Go forward.

Let’s give it a try…..

 

Face2Face

 

• Read Ezekiel 34: 23-24; 37: 24-25; and Hosea 3:5
  • How do these verses relate to Isaiah 11:1?
  • What is revealed about Jesus to you?

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• How does Isaiah 11: 6-9 compare with Romans 8: 18-25?
  • How do these passages apply to your life?

 

Feeling ambitious?

• Read Exodus 25: 31-40
  • List each instruction separately.
    • Research each piece listed and write out the significance of each piece.
• Now read Revelation 1: 10-12; 20
  • How does this tie in to the passage from Exodus?

NOTE:  Use a Bible Dictionary instead of commentaries the first time through.  See what is revealed to you before seeing what is revealed to someone else.