In the Islamic calendar, sundown marks Ashura, the day that Sunni Muslims believe Moses was saved from Pharaoh’s tyranny when God created a path in the Sea. It is a minor Muslim holiday, but recalls an amazing event in Israel’s history.
As Pharaoh approached, the people of Israel looked up and panicked when they saw the Egyptians overtaking them. They cried out to the Lord, and they said to Moses, “Why did you bring us out here to die in the wilderness? Weren’t there enough graves for us in Egypt? What have you done to us? Why did you make us leave Egypt? Didn’t we tell you this would happen while we were still in Egypt? We said, ‘Leave us alone! Let us be slaves to the Egyptians. It’s better to be a slave in Egypt than a corpse in the wilderness!’”
Exodus 14: 10-12 NLT
God led them to this place, with their backs to the sea. But this young, untried nation did not believe that the God who worked miracles to free them would continue to protect them. They panicked, complained, blamed and forgot where they had been and Whose they were.
But Moses told the people, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.” Exodus 14: 13-14 NLT
Most of us know what happened: every Sunday School recounts this story. The parting of the sea, the walk through on dry ground, the drowned enemy. The spontaneous songs and dances of praise.
But in the very next chapter, they were back to complaining again.
I can identify. When my back is to the wall, miraculous deliverance is not my first thought or expectation. Perhaps I would do better to recall the Bible stories. Perhaps I need to remember Moses’ instructions: “Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch… Just stay calm.” Perhaps I, too, need to remind myself Whose I am. And maybe, just maybe, prepare for some spontaneous songs and dances of praise.