Exodus 15:22-end

Steve Gambill considers how we can lead well in times of uncertainty, opposition and through complacency

Steve Gambill

'Then Moses led Israel from the Red Sea and they went into the Desert of Shur. For three days they travelled in the desert, without finding water. When they came to Marah, they could not drink its water because it was bitter. (That is why the place is called Marah) So the people grumbled at Moses saying, "What shall we drink"? Then he cried out to the Lord and the Lord showed him a piece of wood and he threw it into the waters and the waters became sweet.

There the Lord made a decree and a law for them, and there he tested then. He said, "If you listen carefully to the voice of the Lord your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord who heals you. Then they came to Elim, where there were 12 springs and seventy palm trees and they camped there near the water.'

If you are anything like me, you will have been glued to the news, these past weeks. Are you as stunned as I am to see so many resigning from their positions? From politicians and our Prime Minister, to the England football manager, so many are giving up and quitting. In the midst of Brexit and with so much uncertainty politically and economically there has been a surge of violence of hate crimes & hooliganism, a surge of complaining and grumbling about how difficult times are, a surge of fear about the future and so many more negative emotions emerging. In the midst of these uncertain times, so many are searching. So many people are disillusioned and frustrated. So what can we do? I believe that there is an unprecedented opportunity for Christians to explain the reason for hope to those who are searching.

It is time to represent Jesus to hurting people and to bring leadership to those entrusted to us. When so many are quitting on their responsibilities, and walking away because of tremendous challenges, the need for leadership has never been greater. Edmund Burke said, "The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing." Our nation and the nations of the world are crying out for leadership. We must not quit and walk away from our God-given responsibilities. This is the time to step out, not step out.

That is why I want us to look at Exodus 15, because within this one chapter is a tremendous leadership master class on how to deal with the wide-range challenging difficulties of life. Here in Exodus 15, we find Gods people, singing and rejoicing one day, then grumbling and complaining soon after, and then settling for a few palm trees and a little bit of water.

There are three specific battles in Exodus 15. The first battle is the 'Battle of the Red Sea'.

In this Red Sea Battle, here we see all of Pharaoh's great Egyptian army, destroyed by one of the most dramatic miracles ever recorded in the Bible. Every soldier was destroyed and Pharaoh's army was completely defeated while every one of God's people was saved.

This miraculous deliverance story, reminds me of the complete victory that Jesus accomplished in his death and resurrection. Jesus has completely defeated every power of darkness. I pray that people everywhere would have a better understanding of what Jesus has accomplished and receive this by faith.

This first battle is simply to receive. The Bible teaches that a person only needs to accept Jesus as their Lord & Saviour (according to Romans 10:9) to be saved. If you're like me and you have prayed and invited Jesus into your heart, then the first battle has been won. Your destiny is determined, and the ultimate death is destroyed. This is an awesome victory. If you have not prayed this prayer, then before you read any further, take a moment to read Romans 10:9 and reflect on where you are in relation to God. Would you like to be saved and receive new life? Would you like to receive a fresh start in life? That start is only a prayer to Jesus away. If you have accepted Jesus as your Lord & Saviour then a huge battle has been won.

But what about others you love and care about who have yet to make that decision? Are there friends, neighbours, work colleagues, and acquaintances that you know who are facing that battle today? Let's pray that people reading these words would decide to do what they can to explain what Jesus' death and resurrection means to others. It is good news. The best news in fact.

So many in our nation and the nations of the world are at this first battle still. So many are struggling with why they exist and struggling with all kinds of sin and insecurities. Let's commit to do all we can for the rest of our lives, to help people understand the good news of Jesus and the new life, hope and promise He offers. Let's help people everywhere win this battle of salvation.

Now back to Exodus 15...

The very next day after crossing the Red Sea, Israel was led into the desert of Shur. This would be the setting of the next battle, which I am calling the 'Battle of Sure'.

How sure are you that God is with you? The same God, who saved you, does not depart from you in tough times. There have been times in my life when God has led me into desert seasons. Not to frustrate me, but to help me understand what is in my own heart. I have noticed things about my attitude and character that needed work. Things that didn't show up in the good seasons, when everything was going well. I have discovered that I learn and grow more in seasons of difficulty than when I'm in seasons of ease. Seasons like this reveal my limitations and help examine my heart before God.

The desert of Shur was a perfect place to reveal what was always in the hearts of God's people. The bitterness did not enter their hearts in the desert of Shur, it was just revealed there. In the heat of the desert, what was previously hidden in people's hearts became exposed. The translation of the word Shur actually means walls. This desert was plateau, surrounded by walls built by the Egyptians.