Dr H Reflections

Overcoming impossible odds ∙∙

But Moses told the people, “Don’t be afraid, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, the LORD will rescue you today; for the Egyptians you see today, you will never see them again.” – Exodus 14:13

Exodus 14:1-14

1 Then the LORD gave these instructions to Moses:
2 “Order the Israelites to turn back and camp by Pi-hahiroth between Migdol and the sea. Camp there along the shore, across from Baal-zephon.
3 Then Pharaoh will think, ‘The Israelites are confused. They are trapped in the wilderness!’

4 And once again I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and he will chase after you. I planned to display my glory through the Pharaoh and his whole army. After this, the Egyptians will know that I am the LORD!” So, the Israelites camped there as they were told.
5 When word reached the king of Egypt that the Israelites had fled, Pharaoh and his officials changed their minds. “What have we done, letting all those Israelite slaves get away?” they asked.

6 So Pharaoh harnessed his chariot and called up his troops.
7 He took with him 600 of Egypt’s best chariots, along with the rest of the chariots of Egypt, each with its commander.
9 The Egyptians chased after them . . . [and] caught up with the people of Israel as they were camped beside the shore near Pi-hahiroth, across from Baal-zephon.

10 As Pharaoh approached, the people of Israel looked up and panicked when they saw the Egyptians overtaking them. They cried out to the LORD,

13 But Moses told the people, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the LORD rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again.”
14 “The LORD himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.”

Fox News is well-known for its catchphrase, “We Report. You Decide.” This motto suggests a commitment to presenting news that allows viewers to form their own opinions. Conversely, Snopes.com operates as a fact-checking entity, scrutinizing claims to ensure accuracy. Snopes.com thoroughly discredits the information provided below as fallacious. While considering Snopes.com as a reliable source, it is crucial to remember that, as believers in the Biblical texts of Moses, we hold the conviction that they are historically accurate and truthful documents. How do you suppose Snopes.com rates that assumption?

For years, divers have scoured the Gulf of Suez in hopes of uncovering evidence that supports the biblical story of the Exodus. Recently, however, the focus has shifted to the Gulf of Aqaba. On the shores of Nuweiba, Egypt, a place now frequented by tourists, a significant event unfolded in 1978 when Ron Wyatt embarked on an exploratory mission spurred by the theory that this site might be where the Israelites camped by the Red Sea.

Wyatt’s team conducted numerous dives spanning approximately 1.5 miles at depths between 60 and 200 feet. To their astonishment, Wyatt reported the discovery of chariot parts littering the seabed, wheels, chariot bodies, and even human and horse bones.

One remarkable claim made by Ron Wyatt since 1987 was the discovery of three four-spoke gilded chariot wheels. These gold-covered wheels, mainly immune to coral growth, retained their distinct shape despite the decay of the wooden components underneath. Such wheels bear a resemblance to those found in Tutankhamun’s tomb.

The scientific community’s involvement adds another layer to these claims. The Department of Osteology at Stockholm University analyzed a mineralized bone attributed to Wyatt’s findings, identifying it as a human femur belonging to a man approximately 5.5 feet tall.

This narrative underscores the dynamic tension between faith-based perspectives and those that are not. For children of the King who believe in the historical accuracy of biblical texts, these discoveries hold profound significance.

Nuweiba Beach, Egypt

Red Sea Crossing spot, the Gulf of Aqaba

Remnants of Gold Chariot Wheel

Human Femur

The tales of past “discoveries” related to the Red Sea often linger in uncertainty, lacking the assurance of definitive proof. Yet, the biblical account of the miraculous parting of the Red Sea, as recorded by Moses in Exodus 14, stands as a testament to the enduring truth of God’s power and intervention.

REFLECT & PRAY

Luke 1:37 For nothing is impossible with God.

Father, no matter how terrible or impossible our circumstances may be, we can always stand still and see the salvation of the Lord!

INSIGHT

The Pharaoh of Egypt initially resisted but eventually allowed the nation of Israel to go free. As they set out towards the promised land, the Father intervened by hardening the Pharaoh’s heart (Exodus 14:4-6,8). The Pharaoh gathered his most skilled, elite charioteers, around 600 in number, and pursued the Israelites intent on killing them (Exodus 14:4, 6, 8). With the Egyptians in hot pursuit, the Israelites faced certain death, as they were defenseless against the well-equipped Egyptian forces with their horses, chariots, spears, and swords. Their predicament seemed hopeless. The odds were stacked against them. It was only a matter of time.

Behind the scenes, God was intricately orchestrating the events that led the Israelites to the brink of the Red Sea. He had already disclosed part of His divine plan to Moses, guiding him and the children of Israel to this critical location fraught with danger (Exodus 14:1-2). As they camped by the sea, uncertainty loomed over them, yet they had learned to trust the Father’s presence guiding them, evidenced by the pillars of smoke and fire that had led their journey thus far.

At precisely the opportune moment, neither a second too early nor too late, the Egyptian forces arrived. Pharaoh, a.k.a. Yul Brenner, in his arrogance, mocked Moses, questioning his strategy by saying, “Moses’ God is a poor general.”

The circumstances were markedly against them. Mountains to the north and south hemmed them in, the impassable Red Sea before them, and the relentless Egyptian chariots approaching from behind. What did the people do? Faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles, panic and terror seized the Israelites. They feared that death was imminent (Exodus 14:10). In their distress and desperation, they turned against Moses. They blamed Moses for his poor judgment and leadership. Some, overwhelmed by fear, even resorted to threats and curses.

Their despair is poignantly captured in Exodus 14:11-12, where they cried out to Moses, “Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the wilderness to die? Why have you done this to us, bringing us out of Egypt? Didn’t we tell you in Egypt, ‘Leave us alone; let us serve the Egyptians?’ It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness.”
Summary
This critical moment was rife with tension and emotion, a testament to the Israelites’ struggle between fear and faith as they unknowingly stood on the precipice of divine intervention. Moses’ response exemplifies amazing faith and trust in the Father. He becomes a timeless model of “perfect faith” for all of the children of the King, serving as an inspiration for all ages to come.

Then the Father speaks. His words are life for the children of Israel but death for the armies of Egypt.

Exodus 14:15-16

15 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to Me? Tell the sons of Israel to go forward.”
16 “As for you, lift up your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it, and the sons of Israel shall go through the midst of the sea on dry land.”

And thus, the Red Sea split wide open, and dry ground appeared in the midst of the walls of water.

Exodus 14:26-28

26 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand over the sea so that the waters may come back over the Egyptians, over their chariots and their horsemen.”
27 So Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to its normal state at daybreak, while the Egyptians were fleeing right into it; then the LORD overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea.
28 The waters returned and covered the chariots and the horsemen, even Pharaoh’s entire army that had gone into the sea after them; not even one of them remained.

This was the Father’s plan all along. He promised to fight for Israel and destroy the armies of Egypt, and so He did with might and majesty!

From this pivotal moment on, there can be no doubt that the Father demonstrated His glory. The Egyptians themselves bore witness to this divine power. Pharaoh, portrayed by the commanding figure of Yul Brenner, returned to Egypt defeated, humbled, and solitary. As he ascended to his royal throne, the realization dawned upon him, and he proclaimed, “Moses’ God is God.”

But there’s more.

In the original Hebrew text, there lies a hidden treasure. Exodus 14:13 states, “Don’t be afraid, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD.” The Hebrew word for salvation here is ‘Yeshua,’ which is translated into English as Jesus.

You connect the dots.

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© Dr. H 2024

Doubting John ∙∙

When the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law – Galatians 4:4

Isaiah 35:3-6

3 Strengthen those who have tired hands, and encourage those who have weak knees.
4 Say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, and do not fear, for your God is coming to destroy your enemies. He is coming to save you.”

5 And when he comes, he will open the eyes of the blind and unplug the ears of the deaf.
6 The lame will leap like a deer, and those who cannot speak will sing for joy! Springs will gush forth in the wilderness, and streams will water the wasteland.

We are all familiar with the enchanting cycles of growth and transformation that nature so gracefully undergoes. As Autumn sets in, vegetation retreats into a restful slumber, bracing for the chill of winter. But with Spring’s return, a gentle symphony of warmth, lengthening daylight, and nourishing rain rekindle life, stirring the world with renewed energy. Sometimes, these natural “seasons” can be unpredictable.

Beneath the sandy expanses of the Mojave Desert, countless seeds of wildflowers lie hidden, patiently waiting. When conditions align perfectly, a breathtaking array of vibrant wildflowers bursts forth, painting the landscape with a dazzling display of color and beauty.

For this arid desert to undergo such a stunning transformation, it requires both generous rainfall and the gentle embrace of the sun’s warmth at just the right moment. Absent these conditions, the desert is just a desert.

Our lives often mirror this cycle. They are often parched and dry, seemingly without end. During such difficult times, many of us have grave doubts regarding the love and presence of our heavenly Father. We often wrestle with severe skepticism. When we get pushed against the wall, our doubts become so great we may even doubt the truth of our faith.

Yet, we tend to forget that the Father orchestrates both the visible cycles and the hidden seeds of life. His divine clock controls the timing of the events of our lives. At the fullness of time, we bloom.

The Father created time and placed people in it so that we experience sequence and change. While we perceive time sequentially, for the Father, everything is always now, and He sees the end from the beginning.

REFLECT & PRAY

Reflecting on my life’s journey, I see periods of barrenness alongside moments of vibrant growth and beauty, and I’ve come to understand that neither is within my control.

Father, I humbly acknowledge Your sovereign hand over all things. You have ordained a time for every purpose under heaven. Please grant me the courage to stand steadfast through the droughts and uncertainties.

INSIGHT

There are times when life baffles us, presenting situations that seem to defy logic and understanding. We just don’t get it. In these moments, it is easy to feel lost and bewildered. Yet, the unseen hand of a loving Father is always at work, guiding us. Suddenly, we find ourselves perfectly positioned, as if by divine appointment, and what unfolds next is nothing short of extraordinary. This mysterious orchestration reminds us to trust in the incredible plans that are beyond our comprehension.

In times of struggle and spiritual drought, the Word of God serves as a beacon of truth, offering solace and encouragement. The Scriptures are filled with beautiful promises, assuring us that a time will come when the Father will make all things right. The Old Testament intricately foretold the first coming of the Lord Jesus Christ, orchestrated with precision according to the Father’s divine plan, the fullness of time. Among these prophecies were remarkable miracles: the blind would gain sight, the lame would walk, lepers would be cleansed, the deaf would hear, the dead would rise, and the Good News would be proclaimed to the poor (Isaiah 35:4-6).

These miracles, performed by Jesus during His earthly ministry, served as profound evidence of His messianic identity. They were tangible manifestations of supernatural power and authority.

John the Baptist stands out as a singular figure in history, distinct from all others. Many ponder the question, “Who is the greatest person who ever lived?” To this, the Lord Jesus Christ provided a clear answer. In Luke 7:26-28, Jesus emphasized John’s unparalleled role:

“Were you looking for a prophet? Yes, and he is more than a prophet. John is the one to whom the Scriptures refer when they say, ‘Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, and he will prepare your way before you.’ I tell you, of all who have ever lived, none is greater than John. Yet even the least person in the Kingdom of God is greater than he is!”

This declaration underscores both John’s unique mission as the forerunner of Christ and the profound transformation brought by the Kingdom of God, a realm where even the least are exalted.

His ministry thrived as he boldly proclaimed the truth, drawing vast crowds who were moved and baptized. His message resonated so profoundly that it reached the ears of Jerusalem’s leaders, prompting them to send envoys to interrogate him (John 1:19-25).

Yet, even amidst his triumphs, John experienced a fleeting shadow of doubt. Confined within the walls of a prison cell, he faced an internal struggle that seemed unimaginable for one so filled with the Spirit and anointed to declare Jesus as the Lamb of God (John 1:29). How could the steadfast forerunner, who was so full of the Spirit and anointed by the Father would question the core message that he had fervently preached regarding the identity of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Imagine what it was like for John in prison. The world that he had known had come to an end. “He was a man of the desert, yet he was confined indoors. He was an active man with a divine mandate to preach, yet he was silenced. He had announced judgment, and yet that judgment was slow in coming (Matthew 3:7-12)” (Wiersbe). The harsh reality of mistreatment, the looming threat of death, and the solitude of confinement weighed heavily on his spirit, leaving him downcast and discouraged.

In this moment of vulnerability, John reached out through his disciples with a poignant question for Jesus, one that echoed his inner turmoil and uncertainty:

Luke 7:19 Are you the Messiah we’ve been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?

This inquiry, born from a place of profound struggle, underscores the depth of John’s faith journey and the human experience of doubt, even among the most devoted.

The response to John’s doubts was both swift and precise, affirming the fulfillment of the Father’s promises concerning the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus instructed John’s messengers:

“Return to John and report what you have witnessed: the blind receive sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the Good News is proclaimed to the poor” (Luke 7:22).

In His gentle and gracious reply, the Lord Jesus Christ pointed to the evidence of His works, which aligned perfectly with Isaiah’s prophecies about the Messiah. This confirmation provided John with the assurance that Jesus was indeed the promised Messiah he had proclaimed to the people of Israel.

Doubts can touch us all. Rather than believing our doubts and doubting our beliefs, we are to believe our beliefs and doubt our doubts. This principle is further illustrated in the dialogue between Jesus and His disciples:

“Who do you say I am?” Jesus asked. Simon Peter responded, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus affirmed, “Blessed are you, Simon son of John, for this revelation did not come from any human, but from my Father in heaven” (Matthew 16:15-17).

Through life’s dry spells and tumultuous storms, we can rely on the Father’s unwavering faithfulness. Just as the arid desert eventually blossoms, there is a time when parched souls bloom! It is the fullness of time. Let us hold firm to this blessed hope, trusting in the Father’s timing that orchestrates our lives.

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© Dr. H 2024