Drowned: By Faith: Prayers and Poetry

Drowned

Did they even hesitate a

moment to wonder at the

miracle before them—a dry

path dividing a sea.

Or simply take for granted

that if such as Israel

could cross, then so should they.

Arrogance of strength,

history, power, their

compass.

Astonished instead when

sea wall collapsed

denying success of

formula certainty.

Psalm 104:30, “Thou dost send forth Thy Spirit, they are created; And Thou dost renew the face of the ground.”

Reflection: Miracle: By Faith: Prayers and Poetry

Reflection Questions

1. What ‘Red Sea’ experience have you been astonished by in your life—either positively or negatively?

2. Were you confidant going into the situation by God’s word or based on your own competence?

3. How did that experience change your life choices or how did it not?

Share: How did your faith deepen as a result?

Miracle: By Faith: Prayers and Poetry

Hebrews 11:29, “By faith the people passed through the Red Sea as if it were dry land, but when the Egyptians attempted to do so they were drowned.”

Miracle

Did either the Israelites or the Egyptians pause to consider the miracle before them?

The story in Exodus 14 notes that just before the sea walls opened Israel stood on the riverbanks in complaint and rebellion. Then only after they safely crossed and saw the soldiers drown “the people feared the Lord, and they believed in the Lord and in His servant Moses.” They stepped into the path unbelieving but hopeful? And when the Egyptians saw them, “they took up the pursuit, and …. went in after them into the midst of the sea.” No hesitation?

From a distance we read as if watching an onscreen version of special effects and can imagine the mountainous walls of water, the sound, the fear, and we are riveted without being present. How then could the actual participants not be staggered by the gift of God’s power before them? And yet, they had all just experienced plagues beyond imagination. Did miracles now seem ordinary?

How can our fear of the unknown, or the hubris of entitlement, rob us of astonishment and wonder when the unexpected appears right in front of us. When we see answers to our prayers and then try to explain them away. Or minimize the Lord’s influence or later actually contradict it.

Faith requires belief in the unseen and yet too often we also wait for the final proof or good solution before we will believe. Or perhaps just assume we have the right to something when the answer is no. Maybe we are too busy leaning on our own understanding instead of a willingness to listen and follow Spirit nudges to trust.

Nevertheless Jesus continues to make intercession for us. He continues to save—even when we can’t see straight—for the sake of His name—love—God with us.

Your thoughts,