SF571 - THE MIRACLE OF GOD_S PROTECTION - BETWEEN THE DEVIL AND THE DEEP RED SEA (exodus 14 21-31)
SF571
THE MIRACLE OF GOD’S PROTECTION
Between the Devil and the Deep Red Sea
Exodus 14:21-31
INTRODUCTION
A God of Might and Miracles
(Psalms 77:14) You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples.
What is a Miracle?
“A miracle has been defined as a work wrought by a divine power for a divine purpose by means beyond the reach of man.” Lockyer
What is the purpose of Miracles?
As a proof of divine revelation.
As a proof of Christ’s deity.
As a proof of the authority of the Gospel.
To symbolize the blessings of God.
What is our response to miracles?
(Psalms 77:11) I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.
The Miracle of God’s Protection
(Psalms 77:19) Your path led through the sea, your way through the mighty waters, though your footprints were not seen.
1A. A DANGEROUS SETTING (1-9)
1B. A Delivered People
Over Night they had experienced freedom from...
The Egyptian gods
The Egyptian priests and pharaoh
The Egyptian task masters!
Over Night they had gained confidence...
In their army (600,000 men)
In their ability to succeed
But God was not finished with them...
He leads them to the wilderness (13:17)
(Deuteronomy 8:2) Remember how the LORD your God led you all the way in the desert these forty years, to humble you and to test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands.
He leads them to the water (2)
The Devil after the Dove!
(Amos 6:1) Woe to you who are complacent in Zion, ...
2B. A Diabolical Enemy
His plan (5)
His power (6-7)
His pursuit (8-9)
(1 Peter 5:8) Be self‑controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
2A. A DESPERATE SITUATION (10-14)
1B. The Panic of the God’s People (10-12)
They cried in fear (10)
They should have called in faith!
The complained and bickered (11-12)
They should have confessed and believed!
2B. The Promise of God’s Protection (13-14)
Brings fearlessness in the face of great fear (13a)
Brings firm faith in the place of fleeing feet (13b)
Brings stillness in the midst of a great storm (14)
(John 6:18‑20) A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough. {19} When they had rowed three or three and a half miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were terrified. {20} But he said to them, "It is I; don't be afraid."
3A. A DIVINE SOLUTION (15-31)
1B. Proclamation and Purpose of God’s Solution (15-18)
Specific instructions (15-16)
“Move on” = go forward!
“Raise your staff” = that stick had a history! It symbolized the power of God!
Special purpose (17-18)
Glorify God (17)
To evangelize the world (18)
2B. Protection and Power of God’s Strength (19-28)
God’s protection (19-20)
The guide becomes the guard
He gives light to His people while the enemy is locked in darkness
God’s power (21-28)
Over the elements (21-22)
Over the enemy! (23-28)
3B. Profession and Praise of God’s Saints (29-31)
They “feared the LORD”
They followed their leaders
APPLICATION
(1 Corinthians 10:1‑2) For I do not want you to be ignorant of the fact, brothers, that our forefathers were all under the cloud and that they all passed through the sea. {2} They were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea.
(Hebrews 11:29) By faith the people passed through the Red Sea as on dry land; but when the Egyptians tried to do so, they were drowned.
It Illustrations the Christian Experience...
Passover Red Sea
Crucifixion Resurrection
Save us from the Penalty of sin Power of sin
Substitution - Christ died for us Baptism - I died with Christ