Contemplative Bible Reading

Exodus 14:13-14 (New International Version)

13 Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. 14 The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.”

These verses were written as the Egyptian army was chasing the Hebrews as they left Egypt. They were entering the parted Red Sea. God held to His word, and the Hebrews never saw those Egyptians again as the Egyptians were drown by God’s hand.

My paraphrase of verse 13 haunts me.

You will never see them again.

I read this as a promise from God. Those old days, those old ways, that sinful life – you will never see them again. They are behind you, so turn away and move forward. Don’t turn your back on those people as they too are God’s creation and He desires them to choose His ways. Do, however, turn your back on those old things and never see them again.