Exodus 14:1-2 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Tell the Israelites to turn back and encamp near Pi Hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea. They are to encamp by the sea, directly opposite Baal Zephon.
Part of becoming an adult, I think, is figuring out where your strengths lie and leaning into them. Today’s verses are about strategy as the Israelites leave Egypt, about leaving in a manner that looks confused because God knows that Pharaoh will come after them even now and He wants to glorify His name and defeat Pharaoh so that the Israelites do not have to worry about his pursuit again.
Exodus 14:3 Pharaoh will think, ‘The Israelites are wandering around the land in confusion, hemmed in by the desert.’
Honestly, at this point, I do know many of my own strengths, and I’ve tried to lean into those areas as I go through life. I know for a fact that strategy is not one of those strengths. That’s another reason that I think God made us to live in community. I have strengths that complement weak areas in others. They have strengths that complement weak areas of mine.
Exodus 14:4a And I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and he will pursue them.
Precious Savior, It is so easy to see our weaknesses as negative, but I am learning in life that our weaknesses allow us to partner with others–You, fellow travelers–as we walk each other through this life. Help me to be on the look out for folks who need my strengths and for folks whose strengths complement my weaknesses. Thank You that those people are everywhere. Amen.
Exodus 14:4b But I will gain glory for myself through Pharaoh and all his army, and the Egyptians will know that I am the Lord.” So the Israelites did this.
Have a blessed day.