Read Exodus 14:1-15:21

To picture it proves difficult.  As if molding solid clay, God used His breath to form walls with sea water, making way for His people to escape their pursuers.  A million people walking straight through the middle of the ocean’s floor, surrounded on either side by solid water walls constructed by the very breath of God.  It reads like a science-fiction movie script.

So when it was all said and done, and God had powerfully replaced the sea water over the enemy of His people, the Israelites responded accordingly.

They celebrated.

Four hundred thirty years, they had served as slaves in Egypt.  At least a few lifetimes.  Four hundred thirty years they had awaited deliverance from slavery and the only life they had known.  And now the only One Who could save them rearranged an ocean to do it.

When God moves His hand, something mighty always happens.  And the Israelites had seen not just the work of His hand, but the blast of His very breath as they walked between those water walls.  They had been awaiting their deliverance with baited breath of their own, realizing the truth of God’s absolute control over His people and their situation.  Whether carrying out a plague on Pharaoh and his people or changing Pharaoh’s mind about letting them go, the Israelites had been learning that God’s power prevailed over all, and His plan always rules.

How could they not celebrate?  God, the I AM, had personally led them to freedom and delivered them to new life.  When God’s people, the Israelites, experienced the effects of His mighty hand, they could not help but sing His praise.  And He expected no less.

But I will gain glory for myself through Pharaoh and all his army, and the Egyptians will know that I am the LORD.  (Ex. 14:4)

He left no room for wondering Whose hand it was.  No room to doubt Who He is.  He brought glory to Himself by acting on behalf of His people.  And He has done no less for us.

But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life.  (Rom. 6:22)

The very same God who made walls from an ocean to rescue His people, conquered death itself for us.

So, how can we not praise Him?  How can we not celebrate His might?

Bria Wasson