GOD'S GLORY WITNESSED AT THE RED SEA

                                                                     HIS GLORY WITNESSED:

AT THE RED SEA

“… ...It was BY FAITH that the people of Israel WENT RIGHT THROUGH THE RED SEA as though they were on dry ground. But when the Egyptians tried to follow, they were all drowned....” (Hebrews 11:1-35 NLT).

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We move from the obedience of individuals to the obedience of a GROUP of God’s people. THE BIBLE SAYS: “… It was BY FAITH that the people of Israel (together) WENT RIGHT THROUGH THE RED SEA as though they were on dry ground. But when the Egyptians tried to follow, they were all drowned....” (Hebrews 11:1-35 NLT).

“…If My people which are called by My name shall humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways…then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land (destinies)...” (2 Chronicles 7:14 KJV). 

God’s people can have the kind of FAITH where they willfully choose, together, to trust in God, depend upon God’s Holy Spirit to EMPOWER them, and cooperate with God’s instructions even when it makes no human sense. “… the people of Israel (together) WENT RIGHT THROUGH THE RED SEA ...” (Hebrews 11:1-35 NLT).

As a GROUP they decided to, “…Trust in the Lord with all [their]... heart; and lean not unto [their]... own understanding…” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV).

We have been saying that obedience is SUPPORTED by trust in, dependency upon, and cooperation with God, the Holy Spirit.  “...For it is God which worketh IN YOU (individually and as a GROUP) both to will (empower) and to do (enable) of his good pleasure...” (Philippians 2:13 KJV). “…I can (WE CAN) do ALL THINGS through Christ which strengtheneth me (US)…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). “… It was BY FAITH that the people of Israel (together) WENT RIGHT THROUGH THE RED SEA ...” (Hebrews 11:1-35 NLT).

 “… It was BY FAITH that the people of Israel (TOGETHER) WENT RIGHT THROUGH THE RED SEA as though they were on dry ground. But when the Egyptians tried to follow, they were all drowned....” (Hebrews 11:1-35 NLT).

This time OBEDIENCE comes from a GROUP of God’s people, but the WITNESS of God’s GLORY remains the SAME. God’s people are being TESTED, as a body of believers, to put their trust in God, depend upon God, and together be willing to cooperate with God’s instructions. “…I say to you, that if two  of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven. ….” (Matthew 18:19-20 NASB). “… the people of Israel (together and in agreement) WENT RIGHT THROUGH THE RED SEA ...” (Hebrews 11:1-35 NLT).

Often, even with ALL God’s promises of a favorable OUTCOME the future can seem DIM and HOPELESS as an individual trusting God. If it is hard to have private, personal faith in God, how can you join the cooperate body in standing in faith? “...[We would have]... fainted, unless [we]... had believed (together) to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living...’’ (Psalms 27:13 KJV). “… the people of Israel (TOGETHER) WENT RIGHT THROUGH THE RED SEA as though they were on dry ground ....” (Hebrews 11:1-35 NLT).

Group assignments PROCESS people through long stretches of TIME, unimaginable CHALLENGES, and ominous SEASONS too where the situation LOOKS bleak or the outcome distrustful. “...[We]...would have despaired unless [we]... had believed (together) that [we],,, would see the goodness of the Lord. In the land of the living...” (Psalms 27:13 NASB). “… the people of Israel (TOGETHER) WENT RIGHT THROUGH THE RED SEA as though they were on dry ground ....” (Hebrews 11:1-35 NLT).

At the RED SEA, God’s GLORY was WITNESSED through the “people of Israel’s” OBEDIENCE. 1. God’s works “in” and “through” his people to EMPOWER them to OBEY. “…The …HOLY SPIRIT …is the SOURCE of [all obedience] (HOW?) …it is …God who does the work (of empowering obedience) IN and THROUGH ALL OF US who are his. The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s (indwelling) power (to empower obedience) THROUGH each of us …” (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “God … worketh in [HIS PEOPLE], both to will and to do of His good pleasure...” (Philippians 2:13 KJV). “…the Father that dwelleth in [HIS PEOPLE], he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).“…Apart from Me (the Holy Spirit), you (HIS PEOPLE) can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).    

2. God openly REWARDS obedience by KEEPING his promises and demonstrating a GREATER GLORY (a greater witness of his presence and goodness). “… the people of Israel (TOGETHER) WENT RIGHT THROUGH THE RED SEA as though they were on dry ground. But when the Egyptians tried to follow, they were all drowned....” (Hebrews 11:1-35 NLT).

“…Moses said unto the people, Remember this day, in which ye came out from Egypt, out of the house of bondage; for by strength of hand the Lord brought you out from this place..”…” (EZEKIEL 13:3 KJV).

 “…When your ancestors arrived at the Red Sea, the Egyptians chased after [them] with chariots and charioteers. When [the] ancestors cried out to the Lord, [HE[ put darkness between [them] and the Egyptians. [He] brought the sea crashing down on the Egyptians, drowning them. With [their] very own eyes [they] saw what I did…” (Joshua 24:6-7 NLT).

“… Thus the Lord saved Israel that day out of the hand of the Egyptians; and Israel saw the Egyptians dead upon the sea shore. And Israel saw that great work which the Lord did upon the Egyptians: and the people feared the Lord, and believed the Lord, and his servant Moses.…” (Exodus 14:30-31 KJV).

“…Blessed be the Lord, who hath delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of Pharaoh, …” (Exodus 18:10 KJV).

“…the Lord loved [his people], and he… [kept] the oath which he had sworn unto your fathers… the Lord brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt…” (Deuteronomy 7:8 KJV).

“…I brought up Israel out of Egypt, and delivered [THEM] out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of all kingdoms, and of them that oppressed you…” (1 Samuel 10:18 KJV).

“… It was BY FAITH that the people of Israel (TOGETHER) WENT RIGHT THROUGH THE RED SEA as though they were on dry ground. But when the Egyptians tried to follow, they were all drowned....” (Hebrews 11:1-35 NLT).

God’s GLORY is WITNESSED through HIS people’s obedience - “... no man can do these miracles that thou doest (being obedient as a group), except God be with [them]...” (John 3:2) - AND it is WITNESSED in his RESULT or REWARD for obedience.“…I assure you that everyone (or every group) who has given up ...[ANYTHING] ...for my sake and for the Good News, will receive now in return a hundred times ...And in the world to come ...” (Mark 10:28-31 NLT).

Obedience witnesses God’s presence, upon the earth, through his people. The reward for obedience ALSO witnesses God’s presence, upon the earth, through the RESULTS. “… the people of Israel (TOGETHER) WENT RIGHT THROUGH THE RED SEA....” (Hebrews 11:1-35 NLT).“…  [they went through the red sea]... as though they were on dry ground....” (Hebrews 11:1-35 NLT).“… [Israel went through the red sea]...but when the Egyptians tried to follow, they were all drowned....” (Hebrews 11:1-35 NLT).

OBEDIENCE is important and preferable to God. “...What is more pleasing to [God is] ...your obedience to his [instructions] ... [God prefers your obedience better]... than sacrifice and [he prefers your] submission [to his instructions too]...” (1 Samuel 15:22 NLT).

OBEDIENCE however, must be understood as another GIFT of GRACE and NOT an effort of the flesh. “...the FLESH (sinful nature) profits nothing…” (John 6:63 NASB).  “...We know that a person is made right with God by faith (trust in, dependency upon, and cooperation with) in Jesus Christ, not by obeying the law (rules and regulations done through self-effort) ...no one will ever be made right with God by obeying the law (religious rules and regulations done through self-effort)...” (Galatians 2:16 NLT).

Therefore, “…You will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit….” (Acts 2:38 NASB). The GIFT of the indwelling Holy Spirit is ALSO, “…the GIFT of righteousness…” (Romans 5:17 KJV). “...by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous...” (Romans 5:19 KJV).“... We have believed in Christ Jesus (the obedient one), so that we might be made right with God because of our faith (trust in, dependency upon, and cooperation with) in Christ, not because we have obeyed the law (rules and regulations done through self-effort)...” (Galatians 2:16 NLT).

“… if righteousness [could] come by the law (self-effort), then Christ is dead in vain…” (Galatians 2:20-21 KJV). However, “….not having a righteousness of my own … but that which is through faith in Christ…” (Philippians 3:9 NASB). “...the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith…” (Philippians 3:9 NASB). “…The Father (the SPIRIT) that dwelleth in [you] he doeth the works (of righteousness)…” (John 14:10 KJV).

“...Dear children, DON'T LET "ANYONE" DECEIVE YOU ABOUT THIS: When people do what is right (OBEY), it shows that they are righteous, even as Christ is righteous...” (1 John 3:7-10 NLT).

The GIFT of righteousness is the REASON obedience is ALSO a gift. I PRAY God gives you revelation knowledge on this TRUTH: You are FIRST made righteous through Jesus Christ, not through self-effort. Being MADE RIGHTEOUS through faith in JESUS “empowers” you, through the indwelling Holy Spirit, to DO RIGHTEOUS, which is OBEDIENCE. “...When people do what is right (OBEY), it shows that they are righteous, even as Christ is righteous...” (1 John 3:7-10 NLT).“…You will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit….” (Acts 2:38 NASB). “...by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous...” (Romans 5:19 KJV). “…the GIFT of righteousness…” (Romans 5:17 KJV).

“… It is … Holy Spirit who gives all these gifts… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).  “…The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power (to do right or obey) THROUGH each of [them] …” (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “… [God’s people shall] serve as signs (witnesses of God’s indwelling POWER)... from the Lord…” (Isaiah 8:18 NLT).  “…A man can receive nothing, except it BE GIVEN him from heaven…” (John 3:27 KJV). “…The LORD SHALL GIVE that which is good…” (Psalms 85:12 KJV). “…Every good GIFT and every perfect GIFT is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights…” (James 1:17 KJV).  “…What do you have that God hasn’t given you? And if everything you have is from God, why boast as though it were not a gift?...” (1 Corinthians 4:7 NLT). “…the GIFT of righteousness…” (Romans 5:17 KJV). “...When people do what is right (OBEY), it shows that they are righteous, even as Christ is righteous...” (1 John 3:7-10 NLT).

“…Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable GIFT[S]…” (2 Corinthians  9:16 KJV). “…the GIFT of righteousness…” (Romans 5:17 KJV). “ …We have this treasure “in” earthen vessels…” (2 Corinthians 4:6-7 KJV).  “…[People will]… know (witness through your righteousness and obedience) [ALL you]… have IS A GIFT “FROM” [God]…” (John 17:6-9 NLT).

“…by the GRACE of God I am what I am…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV). “…by the GRACE of God [you are]…what [you are]…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV). “...by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous...” (Romans 5:19 KJV). “...When people do what is right (OBEY), it shows that they are righteous, even as Christ is righteous...” (1 John 3:7-10 NLT).

“….Apart from Me (the righteous One), you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).  “…our great power (to be righteous and obey) is from God…” (2 Corinthians 4:5-7 NLT).

Because God’s people have been MADE righteous, they have ALSO been empowered to OBEY.“….not having a righteousness of my own … but that which is through faith in Christ…” (Philippians 3:9 NASB). “…the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works (of righteousness)…” (John 14:10 KJV).

“...the life-giving Spirit has freed you  (to obey) from the power of sin (disobedience) that leads to death...” (Romans 1:2 NLT). “...The Spirit of God ...lives in you ...Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do (disobey...” (Romans 8:11-12 NLT). “...the Spirit gives us desires (to obey) that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires (to disobey)....” (Galatians 5:16-18 NLT). “….Apart from Me (the righteous One), you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).  “…our great power (to be righteous and obey) is from God…” (2 Corinthians 4:5-7 NLT).

“…I can do all things (obey) through Christ which strengtheneth me…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). “… [God] grant[s]… [true believers]… to be strengthened with might (to obey) by his Spirit in the inner man…” (Ephesians 3:16 KJV). “…It is God who works (obedience) in you…” (Philippians 2:13 NIV). “…The God of peace, … that great Shepherd of the sheep, … work[s] in us (to obey) what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…The God of peace … that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip[s] you with everything good for doing his will…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV).

God DELIVERED Israel out of BONDAGE mightily and Israel’s OBEDIENCE made the difference.  God’s GLORY (his revealed presence, his revealed power, and his revealed divine nature) is WITNESSED through his GREAT DELIVERANCE of HIS PEOPLE. “…I’ve also done it so you can tell your children and grandchildren about how I made a mockery of the Egyptians and about the signs I displayed among them—and so you will know that I am the Lord…” (Exodus 10:1-2 NLT). “…your deliverer…” (Psalms 18:3 NASB).

“… “I AM WHO I AM ’ This is My name forever, and this is My memorial-name to all generations…” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).  “…I am the Lord, the God of all flesh…” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV). "… I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God…" (Revelation 1:8 NASB). “… I the LORD … the first, and with the last. I am He...'" (Isaiah 41:4 NASB).  “…there is none like unto thee…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV). “…You are very GREAT…” (Psalm 104:1-2 NASB).

“… he [THAT] hath done marvellous things…” (Psalm 98:1 KJV).

After the Israelites left Egypt, through obedience to God’s instructions, King Pharaoh and his army attempted to come after them and bring them back into bondage.“…When word reached the king of Egypt that the Israelites had fled, Pharaoh and his officials changed their minds. “What have we done, letting all those Israelite slaves get away?” they asked. So Pharaoh harnessed his chariot and called up his troops. He took with him 600 of Egypt’s best chariots, along with the rest of the chariots of Egypt, each with its commander. The Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, so he chased after the people of Israel, who had left with fists raised in defiance. The Egyptians chased after them with all the forces in Pharaoh’s army—all his horses and chariots, his charioteers, and his troops. The Egyptians caught up with the people of Israel as they were camped beside the shore near Pi-hahiroth, across from Baal-zephon. 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 14:1-14 NLT).

During the difficult journey, in the wilderness, God HEARD the cries of his people at the entrance of the RED SEA. God told them to leave Egypt and he took FULL responsibility for their care the WHOLE journey. When they CRIED to him, he DELIVERED them mightily by parting the RED SEA so they could get, across, to safety.

“… You heard their cries from beside the Red Sea. You displayed miraculous signs and wonders against Pharaoh, his officials, and all his people, for you knew how arrogantly they were treating our ancestors. You have a glorious reputation that has never been forgotten.  You divided the sea for your people so they could walk through on dry land! And then you hurled their enemies into the depths of the sea. They sank like stones beneath the mighty waters…” (Nehemiah 9:9-12 NLT). “… he [THAT] hath done marvellous things…” (Psalm 98:1 KJV).

He was concerned about their fears or emotional needs too. So he also defeated their enemies, once and for all, so they would NEVER be bothered by them again!! “..The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again…” (Exodus 14:13-14 NLT).

God wanted, his people to know, he was the LORD their God and GREAT DELIVERER!! “…I’ve also done it … so you will know that I am the Lord…” (Exodus 10:1-2 NLT). “…your deliverer…” (Psalms 18:3 NASB). “…For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning…” (Romans 15:4 KJV).

“… They [were to remember] those days of old when Moses led his people out of Egypt. [When] they cried out, “Where is the one who brought Israel through the sea, with Moses as their shepherd? Where is the one who sent his Holy Spirit to be among his people? Where is the one whose power was displayed when Moses lifted up his hand—the one who divided the sea before them, making himself famous forever? Where is the one who led them through the bottom of the sea? They were like fine stallions racing through the desert, never stumbling. As with cattle going down into a peaceful valley, the Spirit of the Lord gave them rest. [God] led [his] people … and gained a magnificent reputation…” (Isaiah 63:11-14 NLT).

“…… I am God, and there is none like me…" (Isaiah 46:9-10 KJV). “… “I AM” WHO I AM…” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB). indw  “… [God] … is Your rock and Your fortress, your deliverer, Your GOD, Your rock, in whom [you] … take refuge; Your shield and the horn of Your salvation, YOUR stronghold.…" (Psalms 18:3 NASB).

God promised the Israelites they were FREE when they were DELIVERED from the Egyptians, and the RED SEA erased any lingering doubts or concerns!! “..The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again…” (Exodus 14:13-14 NLT). “…The people of Israel …walked through the middle of the sea on dry ground, as the water stood up like a wall on both sides. That is how the Lord rescued Israel from the hand of the Egyptians that day. And the Israelites saw the bodies of the Egyptians washed up on the seashore. When the people of Israel saw the mighty power that the Lord had unleashed against the Egyptians, they were filled with awe before him. They put their faith in the Lord and in his servant Moses … (Exodus 14:29-31 KJV).

God doesn’t half-step, he FULLY does was  he promises he will do. He bought his people OUT and DELIVERED them permanently at the RED SEA by erasing ALL the past and giving them a FRESH NEW start as FREED people of God! “…your deliverer…” (Psalms 18:3 NASB).

“…I brought up Israel out of Egypt, and delivered [THEM] out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of all kingdoms, and of them that oppressed you…” (1 Samuel 10:18 KJV). “…When your ancestors arrived at the Red Sea, the Egyptians chased after [them] with chariots and charioteers. When [the] ancestors cried out to the Lord, [HE[ put darkness between [them] and the Egyptians. [He] brought the sea crashing down on the Egyptians, drowning them. With [their] very own eyes [they] saw what I did…” (Joshua 24:6-7 NLT). “… Thus the Lord saved Israel that day out of the hand of the Egyptians; and Israel saw the Egyptians dead upon the sea shore. And Israel saw that great work which the Lord did upon the Egyptians: and the people feared the Lord, and believed the Lord, and his servant Moses.…” (Exodus 14:30-31 KJV). “…Blessed be the Lord, who hath delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of Pharaoh…” (Exodus 18:10 KJV). “…the Lord loved [his people], and he… [kept] the oath which he had sworn unto your fathers… the Lord brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt…” (Deuteronomy 7:8 KJV).

God has NOT changed his WAYS. He STILL DELIVERS!! “…I am the Lord, I change NOT (WE ARE SECURE IN HIS UNCHANGING, HOLY NATURE)…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV). “… [God] … is Your rock and Your fortress, your deliverer, Your GOD, Your rock, in whom [you] … take refuge; Your shield and the horn of Your salvation, YOUR stronghold.…" (Psalms 18:3 NASB). “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).  ^“Jesus Christ (THE WORD) is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8 NIV).

When you have BEEN obedient to God for days, weeks, months, and years and have failed to SEE evidence that God, the Holy Spirit, is going to STILL keep his promise to you; continuing to be obedience can become questionable.

It becomes questionable when the situation or circumstance is not working out the WAY you thought, planned or imagined.

God “SEEMS” to go silent or disappear altogether and you are left in a wilderness of your circumstances, IT SEEMS, without any sign, wonders, or miracle!

Therefore, like Noah, Abraham, and the People of Israel you feel you have WILLINGLY GIVEN up EVERYTHING to OBEY or follow God, but where is the fulfillment of his PROMISES to you? “…‘[I’ve]… given up everything to follow (obey) you…” (Mark 10:28-31 NLT).

It has BEEN such a long time and so MANY things have happened since God made his promise to you. Maybe there are some things, NOW, you think or feel God can’t fix, won’t fix, can’t change, won’t change, can’t make right, won’t make right, or it’s too late, or whatever. However, YOUR OBEDIENT WILL BE REWARDED, IN THIS LIFE, nonetheless! “…I assure you that everyone who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or property (or WHATEVER), for my sake and for the Good News, will receive NOW in return a hundred times as many houses, brother, sisters, mothers, children, and property – along with persecution. And in the world to come that person will have eternal life...” (Mark 10:28-31 NLT).

 YOU HAVE WILLFULLY CHOSEN TO TRUST IN GOD, DEPEND UPON GOD, AND COOPERATE WITH HIS INSTRUCTIONS (WORD) and God SAW IT ALL; He will REWARD you openly. “….[the] FATHER which SEETH in secret, SHALL “REWARD” [you]… OPENLY….” (Matthew 6:18 KJV).  .

. “…For the vision [is] yet FOR AN APPOINTED TIME, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, WAIT FOR IT; because IT WILL SURELY COME, it will not tarry….” (Habakkuk 2:3 KJV). “….All the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come…” (Job 14:14 KJV). “…If the Lord will, [I] shall live, and do this, or that...” (James 4:16 KJV). “…And in the PROCESS of time IT CAME TO PASS…” (Genesis 4:3 KJV). 

“… [God] … is Your rock and Your fortress, your deliverer, …" (Psalms 18:3 NASB).