Articles
The LORD Stood Between Them
In Exodus 14 the people of Israel were in dire straits. Trapped between the rock of the approaching Egyptian army and the hard place of the Red Sea, all seemed lost. Their fearful reaction and subsequent accusations of Moses in v.11-12 are proof enough of their emotional state. The LORD had a plan to protect His people, glorify His name, and utterly destroy the army of Egypt all at once, but what would He do about that army breathing down their necks? After all, Israel could literally see the Egyptian army approaching their camp (v.10). What happens next is what I’d like us to consider:
“Then the angel of God who was going before the host of Israel moved and went behind them, and the pillar of cloud moved from before them and stood behind them, coming between the host of Egypt and the host of Israel.” (Exodus 14.19-20a)
Consider being there that day and witnessing the sight. The pillar of cloud and fire shifts from leading the people to moving behind them, shielding and defending helpless Israel from the Egyptian horde. He who led Israel out of Egypt now stands to defend Israel from Egypt’s wrath until His deliverance can be fulfilled. Can you imagine any clear-minded Israelite not taking advantage of God’s protection and refusing to cross the Red Sea? The question is now not what they ought to do, but rather whether they heed His instructions and be delivered.
This is an epic scene among many in Israel’s history, but it is not an isolated event. In fact, it happens far more often than we realize.
In 2019 all who have not obeyed the gospel of Jesus Christ are in dire straits. Trapped between the rock of God’s certain judgment of sin and the hard place of our inability to sanctify ourselves, all seems lost. Paul would refer to this state as being “dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked” (Eph. 2.1-2), a state of sinfulness that we are powerless to change. However, God has brought to bear a plan by which He will protect us from the consequences of our decisions, glorify His name, and deliver us from the evil that plagues our world:
“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.” (Gal. 1.3-5).
But what stands between you and God’s righteous judgment on account of our sins? What allows us the time necessary to take advantage of God’s salvation? The answer is the same as it was for Israel in the wilderness all those years ago:
“Do you suppose, O man – you who judge those who practice such things and yet do them yourself – that you will escape the judgment of God? Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed.” (Romans 2.3-5)
The LORD stands between us and judgment. As He stood defending Israel from the Egyptian horde in Exodus 14, He stands now between you and I and eternal separation from His presence. His steadfast love and incalculable mercy are the only reasons why we continue to exist, and that time is given for exactly one purpose: “The Lord is not slow to fulfill His promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3.9)
I beg you, friend, to think carefully about this: The LORD stands not as your adversary, but as your defender. He stands between you and the consequences of your choices for a few moments more so that you may “repent and believe in the gospel” (Mark 1.15). Will you harden your heart and refuse to pass through the waters of baptism and be saved? Or will you, with a clear mind and a contrite heart, be delivered by dying with Christ and being raised in newness of life? “And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on His name.” (Acts 22.16)
God loves you, and so do I. That’s why He gave us the gospel, and why I must tell you about it.
-Kyle Sander
