[Exodus 13-14]

H – Exodus 14:31, “Israel saw the great power that the LORD used against the Egyptians, so the people feared the LORD, and they believed in the LORD and in his servant Moses.”

E – Who gets the Glory?

It was time! It was time for the people of Israel to be delivered from Egyptian bondage and slavery. God had prepared His people and Pharaoh had had enough. The proclamation of “Let my people go” had finally lead to a “get out of here, all of you”. 

However, when God gave the people of Israel the go ahead, they didn’t leave by what seemed to be an easy traditional route. They headed towards wilderness land. But, for what purpose? For God to get ultimate glory over Pharaoh, all his host, and for all the people to know that “I am the LORD” (14:4, 17). 

Yet, when things seemed complicated, panic drew near, and chaos ensued the people of Israel went back to doing what they did best (I see us here). They begin to complain, they questioned God, they doubted their deliverance, and they regretted leaving slavery. Notice the three questions and response. It’s worth reading and re-reading. 

Exodus 14:10–12, “[10] When Pharaoh drew near, the people of Israel lifted up their eyes, and behold, the Egyptians were marching after them, and they feared greatly. And the people of Israel cried out to the LORD. [11] They said to Moses, (1) “Is it because there are no graves in Egypt that you have taken us away to die in the wilderness? (2) What have you done to us in bringing us out of Egypt? [12] (3) Is not this what we said to you in Egypt: ‘Leave us alone that we may serve the Egyptians’? (4) For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness.”

It seemed over. Their lives, over. Their past, over. Their future, over. Doesn’t fear make us feel like we’re fixing to loose everything and my life will be over, as I know it? Oh, but if they only knew. If I only knew! I only have to be silent, let the LORD fight my battles, and see His hand going before me (14:13-14). 

Then, God did God stuff and the LORD saved Israel (14:30). The people experienced redemption. They saw the hand of God. They were awestruck at what the LORD had done. They believed it was actually HIM and what Moses had proclaimed was true. And, there was only ONE that could get the GLORY. 

The people of Israel obviously couldn’t get the glory. They complained, questioned, doubted, and had moments of regret. They feared and panicked. BUT GOD;……. He gets the Glory!

I know it’s so easy to put the spotlight on the things we think that we are doing. Look what I did. See what I said. And, so forth. The question before us is, who are you and I giving glory to right now? 

That’s a question worth pondering. 

A – The strong hand of God has delivered me from the house of slavery (13:14). He alone gets the Glory. Therefore, knowing my rescue, I should live my life and my life should be marked for His continued glory (13:16). 

R – Lord God, I give you all honor, glory, and praise. For YOU have delivered me. You have rescued me from slavery, redeemed my past-present-future, and reconciled me to yourself. Glory! Lord, may my life be used by you to the point that all people will know that you are the LORD. Help me to never get over your salvation. Give me passion to tell others what you have done for me. And, lead me in the way of obedience. All for your Glory!

In Jesus Name!