In today's first reading, Ex 14: 5-18, the Egyptians regret having allowed the Israelites to leave their country. "What have we done! Why, have we released Israel from our service!" Angry, they go in pursuit of the Israelites with full force: "Pharaoh's whole army, his horses chariots and charioteers, caught u[ with them as they lay encamped..." The Israelites see the Egyptians coming at them in to pursuit. Terrified and angry, they turn on Moses: "Were there no burial places in Egypt that you had to bring us out here to die in the desert? ....Fear not! Stand your ground, and you will see the victory the Lord will win for you today." Through Moses, God parts the Red Sea and the Israelites pass through it on dry ground, while Egypt's whole army parishes in the middle of their attempts to cross over and return the Israelites to being their slaves!
How challenging it is for us to leave the "Egypts" of our lives--those environments or attitudes or behaviors or people that enslave us to evil or deprive us of the freedom God desires for us. When we resolve to do what is right, the evil one does not give up. He pursues us just as the Egyptians pursued the Israelites. Do we "stand our ground" until we "see the victory the Lord will win" for those who are faithful to His commands, seek is help and long to see His face.
No comments:
Post a Comment