Missy Armstrong

There is not a single character in the Old Testament who can bear comparison with Moses.

As you reflect on the beauty and wonder of the ancient tabernacle today, let your thoughts focus also on the Son of God, who dwelled among us, took on our flesh, ate with tax collectors and sinners, and was swift to forgive.

“…Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.” (Rev. 21:3 )

3 “You shall have no other gods before me.

4 “You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. 5 You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, 6 but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.

7 “You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.

8 “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. 9 Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 10 but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns. 11 For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.

12 “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.

13 “You shall not murder.

14 “You shall not commit adultery.

15 “You shall not steal.

16 “You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.

17 “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.”

After the marvelous deliverance from Egypt and the opening up of the Red Sea, the children of Israel begin their pilgrimage toward the Promised Land with optimism and hope. Three days later, however, they find themselves dying of thirst, and are filled with indignation when they discover that the water at Marah is impure. Moses intercedes before God and he is shown how to make the water pure. Later, they complain that they have no food, but once again, Moses intercedes for them before God, resulting in the miraculous supply of manna. While at Rephidim, they complain because they have no water. Moses, in anger, strikes the rock. Finally, Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, persuades Moses to delegate some of his responsibilities.

Are you facing a ‘Red Sea’ experience at this moment: difficulties ahead, danger behind? Then remember God’s word through Moses: “Stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord” (EX 14:13). Stop struggling, stop striving—and EXPECT A MIRACLE!

“Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.’” (Matt. 19:26 )

 EX 14: 13-14

13 Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. 14 The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”

How easily we forget that when God decrees a thing, no matter who or what stands against Him, His purposes are always fulfilled. Has God decreed something in your life? Then be encouraged, for even though the timing of His purposes may not coincide with yours, He will most certainly bring them to pass.

“God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfil?” (Num. 23:19)