Stand Still, Move Forward

Stand Still and Go Forward – Ramses to Sinai

Red Sea Crossing

As Pharaoh's army approached God encouraged them to go forward while resting their confidence in Him (Ex 14:14-15).

The cloud, a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ moved from the front and placed Himself between the Israelites and the Egyptian army. During that night He was light to them and darkness to the Egyptians. As well today it is only when one has Christ's life that He sees (John 1:4). He is our protection and we cannot be harmed until our work for him is completed (Acts 13:36).

The Lord divided the waters allowing Israel to pass through; while He slowed the pursuing Egyptians causing them to panic. After Israel passed over He instructed Moses to stretch his hand over the sea and the water returned drowning the Egyptians.

Israel was baptized or identified with Moses when by faith they went with him through the sea under the power of the cloud (1 Cor 10:1-2).

This is a picture of our identification with Christ in His death, burial and resurrection (Rom 6:3-4). Having died not only on our behalf but also as our representative we positionally passed through death with Him, and are now raised and seated with Him in glory (Eph 2:6).

Dead to sin (Rom 6:2), crucified to the world (Gal 6:14) we are alive in Christ (Gal 2:20).

Leaving the Red Sea with a song and reverence for God (Ex 14:31 – 15:22) they continued their journey. In view of our heavenly position we too have much to sing about.

Marah

Three days without water, and finding Marah's water too bitter to drink, the Lord answered the people's complaints by telling Moses to sweeten it by casting a tree into the water.

Our trials often come after spiritual highs and God's uses these intrusions to continue the process of molding us into Christ's image. While bitter at the time there is great spiritual profit in submitting to Him, trusting His wisdom, asking Him to teach us, and wholeheartedly joining with Him to accomplish its intended purpose.

The tree reminds us that the Lord Jesus went to the cross and healed us and knowing such love we can confidently place ourselves in His care.

Elim

Finding twelve wells of water they had a time of refreshment and an opportunity to consider what God had done for them at Marah.

Likewise looking back at our bitter experiences we can rejoice that we have acquired a deeper knowledge of the Lord and His ways.

Wilderness of Sin

At the Wilderness of Sin, located between Elim and Sinai (Ex 16:1-2), the people complained that their food had run out and God answered by promising bread from heaven.

Manna, a type of Christ (John 6) points to Christ's humility (small), holiness (white), grace (sweet) and eternal being (round).

The name Manna ("what is it") predicted Christ would not be recognized by the world including His own people (John 1:10-11).

The Lord Jesus, the bread from heaven who gives spiritual life, symbolized eating His flesh with believing on Him (John 6:35, 53-55).

Except the Sabbath, Israel gathered daily to sustain life. Likewise believers sustain their spiritual life by daily feeding on Christ through His word.

An omer of manna was placed in the ark (Ex.16:32-34, Heb 9:4) and this hidden manna points to many facets of Christ that only God has seen. In a future day the overcomer will receive some of this manna to eat (Rev 2:17). At that time we will know, appreciate and enjoy Christ on a deeper level.

Sadly, Israel would later loath and grow weary of this gift (Numb 21:5, John 6:52) foretelling that Christ would be rejected (Is. 53:3). Today many are also rejecting the simplicity and beauty found in Christ (2 Cor 11:3-4).

Rephidim

Arriving in Rephidim Moses again sought the Lord when the people contended with him over the lack of water. We must also remember to seek His guidance in all situations (Ps 32:8).

Obeying the Lord he went with selected elders to the rock in Horeb and struck it once with his rod - the rod of judgment used against Egypt.

The once struck rock pictures Christ (1 Cor 10:4) judged and suffering once for our sins (1 Peter 3:18) and the ensuing water testifies that the Holy Spirit is given to all believers (John 7:37-39, 15:26).

Amalek

Almost immediately Amalek, descendants of Esau came to fight. The Lord said later that He would have war with Amalek from generation to generation.

When we are born again our sin nature reacts in anger and is in a continual state of war with our new nature until we are received into glory (Gal 4:29, 5:17).

Israel fought with Moses interceding above while Joshua led the battle with the sword below. When Moses' hands grew weary Hur and Aaron supported his hands and that day Israel prevailed.

Moses portrays the Lord Jesus interceding for us above (Rom 8:34, Heb 7:25) and we are blessed with the added resources of the Holy Spirit within (Gal 5:16) wielding the Word of God as a weapon in our battle with the flesh.

As Aaron and Hur supported Moses let's uphold each other praying for spiritual strength, maturity and victory over the flesh.

George Ferrier

Counsel Magazine 2011