Bible Pictures Help:  The Exodus

“And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground: and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.”
Exodus 14:22 (KJV) 

I mentioned a while ago that pictures helped when I was struggling with the diagnosis of breast cancer. God also gave me a series of three pictures which may help others through cancer, other health issues, and maybe other problems too. God at least may help some see how we can use the Bible pictures to aid us through the tough bits of life. 

This first picture is showing that some issues affect the whole community. The family, friends, congregation, etc. are all on the journey through the scary bits.  In my case they are with me, supporting me through cancer and its treatment. 

But there is more to the story.  “But the Egyptians pursued after them, all the horses and chariots of Pharaoh, and his horsemen, and his army, and overtook them encamping by the sea, beside Pihahiroth, before Baalzephon. And when Pharaoh drew nigh, the children of Israel lifted up their eyes, and, behold, the Egyptians marched after them; and they were sore afraid:” (verses 9-10).  First they came to an impasse; no way ahead it seemed; the enemy bearing down from behind and no way out. Scary all round and some problems like the big C is scary all ways round including treatment! 

Moses comes to the rescue by changing the multitude’s focus off the problem and onto God, in verse 13, “And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day:” It’s not – how big is the problem?  But – how big is God? We need our focus corrected and sometimes we need someone else to help us with that. We need to stand still and see what God will do. 

God’s solution probably seemed just as scary as the impasse because in verse 16 we read, “and the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea.” They had to walk through huge walls of water, maybe seeing creatures and things they’d never seen before, having to walk for some miles on a not necessarily smooth seabed; not knowing what would happen next and what about the enemy still following?  But God was with them so they were safe, even if they didn’t always feel like it.  God is with us, keeping us safe even as we walk through our scary bits, mine being the treatment.  He’s with all our community of family, friends and congregation. 

God will bring the community through and deal with the enemies, but we need those who help to keep us focussed on God as Saviour and who help to keep us moving in the right direction. 

Prayer
Thank you, Father, for the people in our lives who, like Moses, help us to keep attuned to you and what you are doing.  Thank you also for all the encouragers and supporters in our trials and troubles.  And thank you that as long as you are with us anywhere is safe.
Amen

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 About the Author:
Ruth Edwards is actively involved in her Worldwide Church of God Bristol congregation, including editing Links, a church magazine for the congregations of the South West and South Wales area.

Local Congregation:
Worldwide Church of God Bristol
Emmersons Green Village Hall
Emmerson Way
EMMERSONS GREEN
South Gloucestershire
BS16 7AP

Meeting Time:
Saturday 11:30am

Local Congregational Contact:
Allan Frankcom
Email:  jf007d991@blueyonder.co.uk