Stand Still, Then Move On

Observe the sequence. Israel sees Pharaoh's army approaching and is terrified. They cry out to the LORD and then turn on Moses: were there no graves in Egypt that you brought us to die in the desert? Moses tells them not to be afraid, to stand firm, and to see the deliverance the LORD will bring; the LORD will fight and they need only be still. Then God speaks to Moses and asks why he is crying out, and tells him to make the people move on. Moses stretches out his hand, a strong east wind blows all night, the sea divides, and Israel walks through on dry ground with walls of water on either side. The Egyptians follow; their chariot wheels jam; the waters return and the army is destroyed. The chapter ends with Israel fearing the LORD and putting their trust in him and in Moses.

Interpreting, note the two instructions. Be still, in verse 14, and move on, in verse 15. They are not contradictory; they are consecutive. Stillness is the refusal to panic or to run back to Egypt. Moving on is obedience to a specific word once it comes. The people did nothing to open the sea and everything to walk through it. And the same waters that saved Israel judged Egypt; the deliverance and the judgment were one act.

Applying it, most of us tend toward one error or the other, either frantic action or passive waiting dressed up as trust. The passage asks for both, in order.

Which comes harder for you, standing still or moving on? Is there a word from God you have already received but not yet walked into? And when did you last look back at a sea you have crossed and let it renew your trust?