BEGINNING OF FREEDOM

BY THE END OF THE LESSON, WE WILL:

DESCRIBE how God made a way for the Israelites when there seemed to be none; APPRECIATE the power of the Lord to deliver us today; and IDENTIFY scriptural support to help in the times when we seek God's deliverance.

FOCAL VERSES Exodus 14:21-30

KEEP IN MIND

"Thus the LORD saved Israel that day out of the hand of the Egyptians; and Israel saw the Egyptians dead upon the sea shore" (Exodus 14:30).

AT-A-GLANCE

1. God's Great Deliverance (Exodus 14:21-25)

2. God's Great Triumph (vv. 26-30)

IN FOCUS STORY

Linda knew her life had been a hot mess. Her temper had been bad. She didn't get along with her family, and she was unhappy with everything she did. When her aunt insisted that she go to church with her for Thanksgiving, Linda went only to stop her aunt from asking. She had grown up in an Apostolic church, but walked away as soon as she was old enough. Brunch or old movies on Sunday morning had become her way of life.

Linda, however, was pleasantly surprised when she entered the church. The people were friendly and didn't have that look of gloom and doom that she remembered from when she was a child. The music was really good, too, and the Spirit was free. When the pastor started his sermon, Linda found herself listening. It seemed as if he was literally calling her out. She felt a conviction she had not had before. She felt hot tears run down her face, and before she knew it, she was standing for altar call.

Although she had been raised Apostolic, she had never been baptized in Jesus' Name or filled with the Holy Ghost. After leaving the water and Prayer Room, Linda felt brand new. She had heard herself speak in tongues and knew that God forgave her of everything. She suddenly realized that the problem had not been everyone else; it had been her. Finally she was free and couldn't wait to start working on her new life in Jesus!

In today's lesson, we will see the Lord provide the Children of Israel with deliverance over their enemies that could only come from His mighty hand.

THE PEOPLE, PLACES, and TIMES

THE RED SEA. Also know as the Reed Sea, Papyrus Sea, Papyrus Lake, or Papyrus Marsh. It is a body of water between Africa and the Arabian peninsula, ranging in width from 100 to 175 miles, and 1,350 miles in length extending form the Indian Ocean to the Suez Gulf. It is over 7,200 feet deep. Its northern end splits into two gulfs, the Gulf of Suez and the Gulf of Akabah. Based on the account in Exodus, it is believed that the Children of Israel crossed from the north.

 

 

BACKGROUND

With the final plague striking down all the firstborn in the land of Egypt (with exception of those covered by the blood of the lamb), God forced Pharaoh's hand. As He promised, the Children of Israel were released from captivity. The Israelites did not leave Egypt empty-handed, however; God gave them great favor and they were able to plunder their captors and go out much wealth (12:35-36). By the strength of God's hand, the Israelites were free. God led them on a roundabout route to their destination, for He knew that if they went through the way of the Philistines, they would turn back to Egypt (13:17). God directed them into the wilderness toward the Red Sea and prepared them for battle (v. 18). He instructed Moses to have the people camp in front of Pihahiroth between Migdol and the sea in front of Baalzephon, and for them to encamp by the sea (14:1-2). God warned Moses that He would harden Pharaoh's heart, which would cause him to come after them. However, what would seem to be impossible would be God's most brilliant display of His power. God went on to let Moses know how he would be God's most brilliant display of His power. God went on to let Moses know how He would gain glory for Himself over this self-proclaimed god, all the Egyptians would know that He is the Lord (v. 4).

 

SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES

 

1.What happened to the Red Sea when Moses drew back his hand

 (Exodus 14:21, 26)?

2. What made the Egyptians stop their pursuit of Israel (vv. 24-25)?

3. Who was able to pass on dry ground (vv. 22, 29)?

4. Who won the battle at the Red Sea (vv. 27, 30)?

 

 

DISCUSS THE MEANING

1. Although God fought the army of Pharaoh, Moses had specific orders for what he was to do. What were those orders? If Moses' arm did not control the water, what was the purpose of him holding his arms up?

2. What does it mean to you to know that the Egyptians recognized that God was fighting on behalf of the Israelites?

3. What does it mean to you to know that the Children of Israel saw their enemies destroyed?

4. Linda, the main character in the In Focus story, was set free fro her bondage. What had held her captive? What should she expect to experience in the new freedom? How does her story resonate with your salvation experience?

 

LESSON IN OUR SOCIETY

God is faithful to His word! Through His great display of power, He delivered the Children of Israel by His might hand. Imagine what our world would be like if we truly believed that God would do such a display today in our communities to deliver us from violence and oppression. God is no respecter of persons; He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He left this story as a testament of His greatness.

In Exodus 14, Moses received instructions regarding "his part" in the deliverance of Israel. Since Jesus continues to prove He is same God who shows us His care and mercy, including forms of deliverance beyond our imagination, what instructions has He given to us to bring deliverance to our cities, communities, and homes?

 

MAKE IT HAPPEN

We have a mighty vehicle through the power of prayer to bring God's will on earth as it is in heaven. Just as He led Bishops Brazier, Ellis, and Watkins (see View Points section of The Apostolic Way) to bring liberty to the captives, He will bless us to serve Him as well. Begin to seek the mind of the Lord in what He wants to do in and through you it impact your community for His glory. As you pray, believe God for concepts, ideas, visions, and favor to bring his will to pass.

 

(EXCEPT FROM THE APOSTOLIC LIGHT P.A.W.)