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 make 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 trial that his people have to go through.  He is equal to any situation that may confront them.  The Red Sea was not 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 saying give us!  They quiet any fears and doubts that we may have and fill us with hope.  How appropriate, then, is our yeartext 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 no matter what he asks us to do.  The Israelites were obedient  in carrying out the detailed preparations for the Passover.  They obediently stayed indoors during the night 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 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 receive 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 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 his praise and to the salvation  of his people.  Today, we may not clearly  see why some organizational matters are handled in a certain way, but we have every reason to trust in Jehovah's guidance through his faithful channel of communication. At times,m our enemies may seem to be getting the upper hand.  From our limited perspective, we may seem able to see the whole picture. Still, Jehovah is  capable  maneuvering matters at the right moment, just as he did back there for the sons of Israel. -Proverbs 3:5.

Next time: Have Confidence in Jehovah

From the Watchtower magazine, 2007