Learn From Israel's Salvation

What effect did this miraculous deliverance have on the survivors?  Why, Moses and the sons of Israel spontaneously burst into song, praising Jehovah!  They sang:  "Let me sing to Jehovah, for he has become highly exalted. . . . Jehovah will rule as King to time indefinite, even forever."  (Exodus 15:1, 18)  Yes, their first thought was to exalt God.  In that situation, Jehovah's sovereignty had been demonstrated.

What instruction, comfort and hope do we gain from these thrilling events?  Surely we can see that Jehovah is ready for any trail that his people have to go through. He  is equal to any situation that may confront them.  The Red Sea was no barrier to Israel when Jehovah caused  that strong east wind to blow.  And he was able to cause that same Red Sea to become a watery grave  for Pharaoh's armies.  Contemplating this, we can echo the words of the psalmist who said:  "Jehovah is on my side; I shall not fear.  What can earthling man do to me?"  (Psalm 118:6)  We can also find comfort in Paul's words recorded at Romans 8:31:  "If God is for us, who will be against us?" What confidence  these inspired sayings give us!  They quiet any fears and doubts that we may have and fill us with hope.  How appropriate, then, is our year text for 2008:  "Stand firm and see the salvation of Jehovah!" -Exodus 14:13.

What else can we learn from Israel's Exodus from Egypt?  that we must obey Jehovah not matter what he asks us to do.  The Israelites were obedient in carrying out the detailed preparation for the Passover.  They obediently stayed indoors during the nigh of Nisan 14.   When they finally left Egypt, they had to go "in battle formation."  (Exodus  13:18)  Today, it is so important that we follow the guidance that comes to us through "the faithful and discreet slave!"   (Matthew 24:45)  We have  to listen very carefully to God's word behind us, saying:  " ' This is the way.  Walk in it, you people,' in case you people  should go to the right or in case you should go to the left."  (Isaiah 30:21) As we get nearer to the outbreak of the great tribulation, we may well receiver some detailed instructions.  Our safe journey through these troublesome days will depend on our keeping  in step with other loyal servants of Jehovah. 

Remember, too, that Jehovah diverted the Israelites into a position where they appeared to be trapped between the mountains on the one side and the Red Sea on the other.  It just did not seem to be the right move.  But Jehovah had everything in hand, and all worked out to the salvation of his people.  Today, we may not clearly see why some organizational matters are handled in a certain way,m but we have every reason to trust in Jehovah's guidance through his faithful channel of communication.  At times, our enemies may seem to be getting the upper hand.  From our limited perspective,  we may not be able to see the whole picture.  Still, Jehovah is capable of maneuvering matters at the right moment, just as he did back here for the sons of Israel. -Proverbs 3:5

Next time: Have Confidence in Jehovah

The Watchtower, 2007