When the Egyptian Pharaoh and his forces chased Israel, they determined to undo the work of salvation by bringing the Lord’s people back into slavery. It was a showdown over who had the right to be their master: a genocidal, enslaving king or their divine Lord who would redeem and deliver them.

Boxed in at the Red Sea, fear had filled the camp of the pilgrims. Moses prophesied the word of the Lord, telling the people: “Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm” (Exodus 14:13-14). 

Before many witnesses, the sea becomes the location to demonstrate the Lord’s sovereign rule over every force in the universe. It is the place where His power deals with His enemies for the good of His people. It was not even about a cry for help from the people themselves. Their deliverance and redemption came from the word of the Lord. Their protection over their continued pilgrimage was entirely in His hands (see vs 15).

What is the answer to forces of hostile, satanic superpowers against us? The battle belongs entirely to the Lord. And so is His protection in our continuing pilgrimage. Just as the Red Sea rolled over the Egyptians and destroyed them, He achieved the destruction of the enemy of our souls. No one can snatch us out of His hands (see John 10:27-30).

Our part is to continue following the God of all grace on our pilgrimage and resist our defeated Adversary (I Peter 5:8-11).