Eyes on the Deliverer

Life is full of moments that bring us face to face with our fears, times when the challenges seem insurmountable, and the way forward is shrouded in uncertainty. The Bible, in its rich narrative, provides us with accounts that not only speak to the trials of the past but also offer timeless lessons for our present struggles. One such account is found in Exodus 14, where the Israelites, freshly liberated from slavery, find themselves pursued by the mighty Egyptian army.

A Moment of Panic

"As Pharaoh drew near, the sons of Israel looked, and behold, the Egyptians were marching after them, and they became very frightened; so the sons of Israel cried out to the LORD." (Exodus 14:10, NASB)

Picture the scene: the Red Sea before them, an angry and relentless army behind them. The Israelites, caught in this impossible situation, were gripped by fear. The panic was palpable, and in their desperation, they cried out to the LORD. Their faith wavered, and their fear caused them to question Moses' leadership.

Moses’ Divine Focus

But Moses, the chosen leader of Israel, did not allow the fear of the people to sway him. He understood the importance of perspective and where to direct it. Instead of defending himself or reacting to the people's panic, Moses redirected their focus from the pressing threat of the Egyptians to the power and promise of Yahweh.

"But Moses said to the people, 'Do not fear! Stand by and see the salvation of the LORD which He will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians whom you have seen today, you will never see them again forever. The LORD will fight for you while you keep silent.'" (Exodus 14:13-14, NASB)

Moses shifted their attention from the immediate danger to the ultimate Deliverer. In doing so, he did what I need to remind myself to do in the face of adversity: to remember that God is still my Deliverer, and He will carry the day. The Lord’s might will triumph on my behalf.

Psalm 46:10 echoes this call to trust: "Be still, and know that I am God." Both the psalmist and Moses wisely shift the focus away from the trouble to remind the believer of who God is and to whom we belong.

The Danger of a Narrow Focus

Concentrating on trials and tribulations can lead to spiritual myopia, causing us to lose sight of the Lord in the fog of anxiety. Just as the disciples were distracted by the raging sea during the storm and lost sight of Jesus, who was with them in the boat, I too can become overwhelmed by my circumstances if I allow them to dominate my focus.

Like the prophet Elisha, I must have confidence that "God with me is greater than any enemy against me." When Elisha's servant was terrified by the enemy surrounding them, Elisha prayed, "O LORD, I pray, open his eyes that he may see." And the servant’s eyes were opened to see the mountain full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha (2 Kings 6:17, NASB). This vision was a powerful reminder that God’s presence is greater than any adversary we face.

If I focus solely on the bad news of this world, I will lose sight of the good news of the gospel, and the hope of my heavenly home will fade into the fabric of the present troubles. In other words, I must have eyes only for Christ.

The Light of His Glory and Grace

An old chorus comes to mind, one that perfectly encapsulates this truth:

"Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth
Will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace."

In the end, this truth must reign in my heart: my eyes must be focused on the plenteous grace of God that surpasses everything else. No matter the storm, the battle, or the fear, when I keep my eyes on Jesus, the things of this world lose their power over me, and I find peace in the light of His glory and grace.

Kenneth Beaton