The Story of Exodus

When Moses delivered Israel’s emancipation proclamation, the people found themselves on the fast track to freedom. They were no longer slaves. They were no longer enduring daily beatings. They were free people. However, freedom from slavery didn’t mean freedom from difficult situations. As they fled Pharaoh, the caravan came to a screeching halt. The Red Sea roared before them. It was a massive barricade, especially with an entire army of Egyptians clamoring behind them. As we explore the wilderness journey of ancient Israel, we can learn three lessons from this story. Each should act as a source of encouragement when life sends you on a detour the long way through the wilderness.

When we left off, God’s people had just experienced a miracle at the Red Sea. They were on cloud nine as they danced towards their freedom and their Promised Land. However, there was a much larger obstacle than any sea in their way: the wilderness. By its sheer difficulty, it made the sea look like a stream. What was Israel to do? They had to learn to endure the wilderness.

Last time, we dissected Israel’s physical provision in the wilderness. God supernaturally gave them food, water, and shelter. He provided for their physical needs, but that was only a small portion of God’s plan. Sure, God wanted them to rely on him for their physical needs. But, one goal was far more important: God wanted them to rely on Him for their spiritual needs. This is where we begin to see the treasure within the wilderness. Not to get ahead of ourselves, but that treasure is found in the true God.