“That We Might Be Saved”

Deliverance from the oppression of the Egyptians, prompted a song of praise unto GOD in Exodus 15. The Israelites had not earned deliverance, nor was it something they deserved. It was an act of mercy.

The LORD saw their affliction, heard their cries and was keenly aware of their sorrows. As a result of His love and compassion for His people, He responded.

“… I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows; And I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land and a large, unto a land flowing with milk and honey; unto the place of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites.” (Exodus 3:7-8)

Amid this beautiful song recorded in Exodus 15, the children of Israel recognized that their rescue was an act of GOD’S goodness and mercy. They sang… “Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? Who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders? Thou stretchedst out thy right hand, the earth swallowed them. Thou in thy mercy hast led forth the people whom thou hast redeemed: thou hast guided them in thy strength unto thy holy habitation.” (Exodus 15:11-13)

Prior to their deliverance they accused Moses of leading them into the wilderness to die. (Exodus 14:11-12) It appeared as though death was inevitable when the Egyptians closed in on the Israelite camp. However, after crossing the Red Sea on dry land and witnessing the walls of water collapse on their oppressor, they quickly realized that GOD did not deliver them that they might perish, but rather, experience redemption.

The same is true regarding the deliverance GOD provides in Christ. Jesus came not to condemn but provide salvation.

“For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved.” (John 3:16-17)