PHARAOH, moses, & Deliverance
“They had almost wiped me from the earth, but I didn't forsake your precepts” (Psalm 119:87).
One afternoon, we were having lunch out as a family. Everyone was over-hungry so we ordered our food right away. As the hot meal came to our table, it brought joy to all of us as it could not have come soon enough, especially with two hungry children. In my zeal to help my daughters with their food, I accidentally hit my large glass of ice tea with my elbow. Our delicious hot lunch was almost washed out with ice tea and ice cubes, yet by a miracle, the glass waddled back on its own and our afternoon lunch was saved!
As trivial as my example is, it has me wondering about how many “almosts” God has saved us from that would have been a terrible catastrophe had He not interceded?
“There is gold in that word, almost. It reminds us that though our foes (especially our spiritual adversaries) may press for our complete destruction, God will preserve us. He allows us to be attacked, yet at the same time He sets a limit to the success of the attackers. Almost is a word of God’s gracious protection.” David Guzik
The psalmist in this Psalm said he was almost dead (they almost made an end of me on earth), yet he would not forsake the word of God.
How about you? What are your “almosts”? Have you had situations in your life where you have seen God’s miraculous and gracious hand protect you from an “almost” tragic situation? I know our family has had its share of “almosts.” One being a very serious car accident and another was my child’s serious health concern, to name a few. I am sure you have had some “almosts” that come to your mind too.
There is one story in the Bible that also comes to mind. In Exodus 14:12-14 it shares the story of the Israelite’s release from Pharaoh’s bondage. When Pharaoh finally released the Israelites from their harsh bondage, Pharaoh had second thoughts about releasing his work force and decided to come after them with his powerful army. When the Israelites saw Pharaoh’s army advancing towards them— they were terrified and cried out to the LORD. (Exodus 14:10)
The Israelites had every reason to be afraid— they were trapped between the mountains and the sea and they were in trouble. However, Moses reminded the people that God would fight their battle and they only needed to stand still and watch. The posture of standing still meant they stood their ground in faith knowing that God would come through for them once again!
“And Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever. The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace” (Exodus 14: 13-14).
Under God’s direction, Moses was instructed to lift his staff over the sea as God would part the sea.
“Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the Lord caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea into dry land, and the waters were divided. So the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea on the dry ground, and the waters were a wall to them on their right hand and on their left. And the Egyptians pursued and went after them into the midst of the sea, all Pharaoh’s horses, his chariots, and his horsemen” (Exodus 14:21-23).
The entire 600,000+ Israelite company, safely crossed through the Red Sea. Although the Egyptian army pursued them into the midst of the sea, at the just the perfect timing, God closed the Red Sea upon their enemies.
The Israelites must have thought they would be destroyed— and they almost were… had God not intervened.
The Good News is this: Even though our “enemies” may press for our complete destruction, God will protect us and preserve us!
May we be encouraged to never forsake God’s Word in all seasons of our life. Whether we are in a season of sowing, a season of reaping, a season of waiting, a season of prosperity or a season of trials, let us trust God with all our hearts and hold tightly to His promises and precepts in His Word just like the psalmist!
Finally, when we feel “Pharaoh’s army” is advancing towards us, let us remember that although God allows the attacks, He also sets a limit on the attacks and will safely see us through without fail and according to His will!
“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you” (Psalm 56:3).