A Different Perspective
Exodus 14:5-6;10-14;21
And it was told the king of Egypt that the people fled: and the heart of Pharaoh and of his servants was turned against the people, and they said, Why have we done this, that we have let Israel go from serving us? And he made ready his chariot, and took his people with him.. And when Pharaoh drew nigh, the children of Israel lifted up their eyes, and, behold, the Egyptians marched after them; and they were sore afraid: and the children of Israel cried out unto the LORD. And they said unto Moses, Because there were no graves in Egypt, hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness? wherefore hast thou dealt thus with us, to carry us forth out of Egypt? Is not this the word that we did tell thee in Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For it had been better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness. And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever. The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.... And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided.
Thought For Today:
You've probably seen the movie "Moses" with Charlton Hesston, playing the character of Moses. The movie depicts the Israelites eagerly beginning their journey to freedom from Egypt's bondage. However, barely outside the city limits, the dancers quickly became hostile toward Moses. They use piercing words of disdain, and disregard for his role as their leader. It's almost like watching people shout and dance in church and as soon as you ask them to do something, they get disgruntled. One of the most challenging frustrations of leadership is realizing that those who follow you don't always see things the way you do. With the Egyptians thundering down on one side and the waves lapping the shore on the other, the Israelites saw a dead end. But Moses saw two protective walls of water and a clear path to God's deliverance. When others don't share your enthusiasm or your willingness to sacrifice for an unseen, uncertain goal, do what Moses did; stand still and communicate your vision with clarity and conviction. And trust the Lord to bring His results to pass.
