Trust God?
Moses and all of Israel had given up on God. Now things were worse than they had been, there was no hope of freedom, and now their misery was more than they could bear. How could God let them down? Why had He not delivered them? Before we are too hard on Israel, let us consider our own history. How many times have we doubted God and asked, “Why have you not delivered me?” Man is weak-willed, demanding, and impatient. We find it so difficult to wait on the Lord, to trust in His timing, to look at the worst of situations as opportunities for God to show forth His power and glory. Like Israel, we are quick to doubt.
God, who had been known to the patriarchs as El-Shaddai, the Almighty One, the Sufficient One, was certainly capable of delivering His people. A sniveling, vengeful, prideful human was not going to stand in God’s way. The Lord had made a covenant with Israel, and, as He had said before, He would keep that covenant. By His almighty power He would bring it to pass. It would not happen as quickly as Moses would like, but it would happen in such a way that God’s power would be magnified.
In times of waiting, in the days of promise, God is known as the Almighty One because we must rely on His strength. But upon our deliverance, on the day when the promise is fulfilled, God is known as Yahweh, the fountain of being, blessedness, and infinite perfection. When blessedness comes and the promise is fulfilled, this name shines forth in glory. That day was yet to come for Israel. Until then, they had to trust in God, just as their forefathers had. They had to trust in His strength and rely on His wisdom.
God had already told Moses that Pharaoh would not turn. The salvation of Israel would be difficult and costly. Would God be glorified in a simple salvation? Was your redemption purchased with ease? Was the death of Christ a simple solution? No. As in the days of Israel’s bondage, redemption in Christ reveals the power of God in the deliverance of His people from an unwilling adversary. Only El-Shaddai, who is faithful to His promises, has the power to deliver us from sin and bondage. And when that day comes, we will know Him as Yahweh and rest in His blessedness
As you read today’s passages, notice how many times God says, “I am the LORD.” What point was He trying to get across to faithless Israel? What point is He trying to make to you? Remember who your God is, that He is almighty, perfect, and faithful. Meditate on Psalm 71 as you strive to trust Him in a sinful, broken world.
(1998). Tabletalk Magazine, February 1998: Te Absolvum, 20.
