Lessons From The Red Sea

“By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned.” — (Hebrews 11:29)

Hebrews 11 shows us, by numerous examples, what true, saving faith is. By contrast, it also shows us what faith is not. In this chapter, we see faith doing things that are impossible with men, doing that which only God almighty, with whom nothing is impossible, can do. You see, the power of faith, the strength of faith lies not in us but in the Lord Jesus Christ, who is the Object of all true faith. So when men and women do things believing God, it is not them, but Christ who is doing the work: doing it through them, yes, but he is the One doing the work.

This blessed gift of faith, the work and operation of God in his people performs great works indeed. Faith in Christ enables weak, helpless sinners, sinners who believe God, to perform supernatural acts, overcome impossible difficulties, and endure trials that are impossible for flesh and blood to endure.

We are told that. Israel passed through the Red Sea as by dry land, because they believed God. The Egyptians, attempting to do the same thing in the strength and energy of the flesh, were destroyed. It was faith that enabled Israel to enter a miraculously formed valley between two mountainous walls of water, crossing over safely to the other side of the Red Sea.

In much the same way, true, saving faith, faith in Christ, is that which enables believers to pass through and overcome trials and troubles that utterly destroy others. As it was faith in Christ that enabled those men of old ultimately to enter into and take possession of Canaan, so it is faith in Christ that will soon land us safe on Canaan’s happy shore and enable us to take possession of heaven’s eternal bliss.

There is no greater example of the contrast between faith and presumption in the whole Book of God than that which is before us in Hebrews 11:29. Here we see the ultimate end and result of the long controversy between the Egyptians and the Israelites. This is clearly a type and picture of what will be the last end of the conflict between the world and the church. It has been a long and bitter conflict. It began with Cain and Abel and continues to this day. But it shall soon end in the sudden appearance of Christ for the complete salvation of his church and the utter destruction of his enemies.

The example of faith before us in Hebrews 11:29 is truly remarkable. It was night when the children of Israel undertook their flight out of Egypt. Through the darkness they fled, moved by faith. Through the darkness Pharaoh and the huge Egyptian army presumptuously and blindly pursued them, moved by envy, hatred and lusts. At last, the hour arrived when the long-insulted forbearance of the Almighty was to be avenged (Ex. 14:24-25).

The Egyptians cried, “Let us flee from the face of Israel; for the Lord fighteth for them against the Egyptians.” But it was too late. The Lord had begun to fight against them. Once the Lord God unsheathes his sword of justice, he does not put it away until he has dipped it into the blood of his enemy! The proud monarch of Egypt and those who followed him learned suddenly and everlastingly that it is a vain thing to be found fighting against God!

That which was the path of deliverance for the believing Israelites (the Red Sea) was made the very gate of hell for the Egyptians. You see, every attempt of men to obtain in unbelief that which is obtained only by faith is doomed to everlasting disappointment.

Oh, may God the Holy Spirit teach and convince you who believe not how vain it is to fight against God. Turn to him now. Sue for mercy, pleading the merits of Christ for your soul, lest he begins to fight against you this very hour!