BeShalach
07 FEB
2009
Exodus
13:17-17:16
Judges
4:4-5:31
John 6:22-40
Pharaoh finally sends
out the children of Israel. They depart from Egypt and head out from
Succoth and camp at Etham. It is there that the pillar of cloud (G-d),
went before them to lead the way.
Meanwhile back at the
palace Pharaoh changes his mind, gathers his chariots and pursues Israel.
At the Sea of Reeds (Red Sea) the people panic as they see Pharaoh and his
army approaching. G-d assures them that they will never see the army of
Egypt again. G-d splits the sea and the children of Israel cross to the
other side where they see the power of G-d envelope Pharaoh’s army and
they sing the Song of Miriam.
Then as history tells
us, they rebelled at the waters of Marah, get Manna from heaven, are given
the prohibition of going out to gather Manna on the Sabbath (no going out
to gather food) but they are to rest. G-d has provided for them with two
days supply. G-d supplies all our needs as well.
Then another test and
contention, Moses gets water from the rock. Finally, the children of
Israel are told of the eternal struggle against Amalek.
Beginning with the
wilderness journey, the believer has trials as he journeys to the Promised
Land. He must rely upon G-d’s guidance by day and by night.
The first crisis in the
wilderness for the children of Israel was the actual crossing of the Red
Sea in order to bring forth G-d’s great deliverance. Just as G-d led His
people by day and night, He leads us as we face our problems,
difficulties, trials, and temptations throughout life. At times life is
hard, rough, trying, pressuring, stressful, disappointing, defeating,
back-breaking, crumbling, unchangeable, and hopeless.
Sometimes it seems as if
there is no way out, no solution, no way to conquer, triumph or overcome.
This is not true. It is a defeating lie of the enemy. G-d cares for us
and He will lead us out of whatever Egypt we are in. He knows our
weaknesses, both psychologically and physically.
G-d knows how much we
can bear. He will always lead us in the right direction, to the right
people, to the right place, to do the right thing, and to know what to do.
No matter what the enemy
plans to do, G-d has already taken care of it. G-d goes ahead and opens
the way for us (Exodus 14:13-14). He leads us through what we think are
impossible situations. He is also our “rear guard” until the defeat of
the enemy is complete (Isaiah 52:12). There is much truth in these words,
“And this is the victory that has overcome the world, our faith” (1John
5:4).
Just as in the days of
the deliverance of the children of Israel, so it is today. G-d will
triumph. When they/we walked by night, they/we complained. When they/we
believe G-d and saw His mighty hand at work, they/we praised Him.
Redemption and freedom
should lead us to rejoicing! So choose to rejoice!
Shavua Tov
Rabbi Z.
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