July 13, 2015
Scripture Reading: Exodus 14:19-31
19Then the angel of God, who had been traveling in front of Israel’s army, withdrew and went behind them. The pillar of cloud also moved from in front and stood behind them,20coming between the armies of Egypt and Israel. Throughout the night the cloud brought darkness to the one side and light to the other side; so neither went near the other all night long.
21Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the Lorddrove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it into dry land. The waters were divided,22and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with a wall of water on their right and on their left.
23The Egyptians pursued them, and all Pharaoh’s horses and chariots and horsemen followed them into the sea.24During the last watch of the night the Lordlooked down from the pillar of fire and cloud at the Egyptian army and threw it into confusion. 25He jammedthe wheels of their chariots so that they had difficulty driving. And the Egyptians said, “Let’s get away from the Israelites! TheLordis fighting for them against Egypt.”
26Then the Lordsaid to Moses, “Stretch out your hand over the sea so that the waters may flow back over the Egyptians and their chariots and horsemen.” 27Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and at daybreak the sea went back to its place. The Egyptians were fleeing towardit, and the Lordswept them into the sea. 28The water flowed back and covered the chariots and horsemen—the entire army of Pharaoh that had followed the Israelites into the sea. Not one of them survived.
29But the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with a wall of water on their right and on their left. 30That day the Lordsaved Israel from the hands of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians lying dead on the shore.31And when the Israelites saw the mighty hand of the Lorddisplayed against the Egyptians, the people feared the Lordand put their trust in him and in Moses his servant.
Questions for Reflection:
Yesterday we had an incredible time on the Henderson Riverfront celebrating baptisms. We watched 36 individuals share their stories of God’s grace and redemption in their life. Does that experience mean that everything will go well for them from here on out? What does your Christian experience tell you about that idea? What is the point of baptism if pain and doubt might still arise? Watch the short video below as they coach us on how to use our baptism to remind us of what God has done.