The Lord caused the miracle to take place. The waters were divided (Exodus 14:21 ), became a wall on either side, and the path through perfectly dry (Exodus 14:22 ). Had Moses acted on his own, nothing would have happened, but obedient co-operation with God brought the co-operation of God. This co-operation of faith works for us as it did for the apostles. They obeyed the Lord's spoken commission and the Lord confirmed the word preached with confirming miracle signs.

Mark 16:20 "And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs."

Exodus 14:22 "So the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea".

By faith they walked between the towering walls of water on the dry path that was the result of faith. When in faith to the Lord's word to us we actively go forward, the path becomes firm to our feet - they walk in the light of His word. (Psalm 119:105 ).

Exodus 14:23 "And the Egyptians pursued and went after them into the midst of the sea, all Pharaoh's horses, his chariots, and his horsemen."

Onward rushed the foe in pursuit, little realising they were entering the scene of utter destruction. (Exodus 14:23-28 ). First, the dark side of the cloud, then the broken chariot wheels, finally the surging billows of death around Pharaoh's mighty host. The enemy learned that the Lord fought for Israel against them. The Red Sea closed over the foe as Moses obediently raised the rod. Israel saw the sea roll between them and Egypt. In the same way the cross stands between the believer and the world. Like Paul, we should only glory:

Galatians 6:14 "... in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world."

The power of Egypt was dead in the watery grave. Israel stood on the other side in a new life of victory. The life of more than conquerors is ours through Him who loved us. (Romans 8:37 ). The great work of the Lord brings deliverance and victory.

Colossians 1:13 "He has delivered us from the power of darkness, and translated us into the kingdom of the Son of His love."

QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

1. How did the Lord check the advance of Pharaoh's army?
   • When you are going forward is the Lord always your rearguard?
   • What is there about the armour of God for the believer that confirms this truth (Ephesians 6:13- 17 )?

2. Have you noticed how a miracle of God can unfold in a procession of steps?
   • Have you witnessed how, at times you can, like Moses, do what the Lord tells you but the result is not immediate?

3. Do you think it was a long night for Israel, but a longer one for Pharaoh's army?
   • Why?
   • Are you sure of a miracle when the wind of God is blowing?

4. Did you ever know a wind that would blow water in opposite directions?
   • Are you experiencing the God of the impossible?
   • In your life of faith are you driven to venture on perilous paths, putting your faith in God, trusting Him not to let the watery walls fall?

5. Why did Pharaoh pursue even into the midst of the sea?
   • Do you believe he thought he could use the miracle power of the Lord to his own advantage?
   • Do you agree that Pharaoh's presumption put him and his army in the place of God's judgment?
   • Are there warnings, lessons, encouragements you need to share?

6. Will the wicked win in the end (Psalm 37:9-10 )?
   • What will be the end of Satan, evil world powers, and those who reject Christ (Revelation 20:10,15 )?
   • Are you one of those who are described as the meek (Psalm 37:11; Matthew 5:5 )?