Deliverance by faith
Deliverance by faith
It was by faith that Moses commanded the people of Israel to keep the Passover and to sprinkle blood on the doorposts so that the angel of death would not kill their firstborn sons. It was by faith that the people of Israel went right through the Red Sea as though they were on dry ground. But when the Egyptians tried to follow, they were all drowned. Hebrews 11:28-29 NLT
The tenth plague was the last that brought about the deliverance of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. It took a simple obedience on their part that made it possible for them to be freed. God gave the instruction to Moses to which he conveyed to the Israelites. “‘Then Moses called all the elders of Israel together and said to them, ‘Go, pick out a lamb or young goat for each of your families, and slaughter the Passover animal. Drain the blood into a basin. Then take a bundle of hyssop branches and dip it into the blood. Brush the hyssop across the top and sides of the doorframes of your houses. And no one may go out through the door until morning. For the Lord will pass through the land to strike down the Egyptians. But when he sees the blood on the top and sides of the doorframe, the Lord will pass over your home. He will not permit his death angel to enter your house and strike you down’” (Exodus 12:21-23). The Israelites took it to heart the instructions given to them. They believed God and they obeyed Him to the letter of the instructions. The instructions looked strange and the demand was costly, yet they willingly obeyed. What was important to them was the Word of God. “So the people of Israel did just as the Lord had commanded through Moses and Aaron” (Exodus 12:28). Their actions resulted to keeping the Passover. The Feast of the Passover was the most celebrated feast in the lives of the Israelites. The event will be remembered forever. “Remember, these instructions are a permanent law that you and your descendants must observe forever” (Exodus 12:24). Moses did not waver in his belief in God. He never doubted in the least that the Israelites will be delivered from the Egyptian bondage. Then, this manifestation of God’s power was followed by another miraculous event. The Israelites doubted God that He will deliver them form the pursuing Egyptian soldiers. “‘They said to Moses, ‘Why did you bring us out here to die in the wilderness? Weren’t there enough graves for us in Egypt? What have you done to us? Why did you make us leave Egypt? …Let us be slaves to the Egyptians. It’s better to be a slave in Egypt than a corpse in the wilderness!’” (Exodus 14:11-12). But Moses rallied the people in believing God’s promise that they will be delivered. “‘Moses told the people, ‘Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today…The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm’” (Exodus 14:13-14). The life of faith of Moses was told to us so we too can learn from his example so that we will gain strength as we live for God’s glory in the midst of difficulties. We, too, just like Moses should believe God’s Word, hold on to His promises, and look forward to the future reward. “He who has ears, let him hear” (Matthew 11:15).
Blessings,
