Today’s reading covers two of the greatest events in human history—Exodus chapters 13–15—highlighting the Great PASSOVER and the Red Sea CROSSOVER.
As I read the account of the Passover and God’s explanation to Moses in Exodus 13:11–16, I pictured the animals that were sacrificed as lives that fall short—unworthy—that must experience the ultimate justice of God for the sin humanity had brought into the world. The Israelites were continually reminded of their sin through the cost of the lost lives they were required to sacrifice. Yet, in His grace, God allowed them to redeem their firstborn sons—the most precious lives in their culture. This redemption was a vivid, ongoing reminder of the great rescue God had given them as His children. In the same way, the Lord’s Supper, which we practice regularly in our churches, serves as a reminder of the greatest demonstration of love and grace—God’s rescue of His children through Jesus Christ.
Between these two miraculous events, we see a troubling pattern that will become a major frustration for Moses—the Israelites’ complaining spirit. Caught between Pharaoh’s army and the Red Sea, they turned on Moses, saying:
"Is it because there are no graves in Egypt that you have taken us away to die in the wilderness? What have you done to us in bringing us out of Egypt?" (Exodus 14:11)
Thankfully, Moses’ faith in God was strong enough to withstand their weak faith. With full confidence, he declared, “Tomorrow, you will never see these Egyptians again. God will rescue you from your enemies.”
Then, we witness one of the most miraculous events in history—second only to the resurrection—Exodus 14:21–30: the Red Sea CROSSOVER. The Israelites rightly celebrated their deliverance in most of chapter 15. However, by the end of the chapter, their tendency to complain surfaced again when they reached the bitter waters of Marah.
"And the people grumbled against Moses, saying, ‘What shall we drink?’ And he cried to the Lord, and the Lord showed him a log, and he threw it into the water, and the water became sweet.” (Exodus 15:24–25)
But isn’t that just like us? Despite being recipients of resurrection power—the greatest display of God’s love and might—don’t we still complain? Just as the Israelites’ grumbling led them to wander in the wilderness for 40 years, is it possible that our own complaining keeps us from experiencing the full blessings of a life surrendered to God? Isn’t it possible that a Christian life could be spent unnecessarily wandering because of complaint rather than faith.
God provides a clear answer to this in Exodus 15:26:
"If you will diligently listen to the voice of the Lord your God, and do what is right in His eyes, and give ear to His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you that I put on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, your healer.”
Takeaway: Grumbling leads to wandering, but trust leads to victory. Don’t grumble—trust and obey!