Fear That Sings and Dances: Basking in the Majesty of God

Please turn to Exodus chapter 14. We'll Please turn to Exodus chapter 14. We'll start at the end of the chapter. It has been such an honor and joy to be It has been such an honor and joy to be with you, City Bible Church, here this with you, City Bible Church, here this with you, City Bible Church, here this weekend. weekend. weekend. Deeply encouraged how many you were at Deeply encouraged how many you were at Deeply encouraged how many you were at the conference. This room was full. the conference. This room was full. the conference. This room was full. So many endured with us all the way to So many endured with us all the way to So many endured with us all the way to the end at 3:30 yesterday. It's a long the end at 3:30 yesterday. It's a long the end at 3:30 yesterday. It's a long day. day. day. Um, it was encouraging to see your Um, it was encouraging to see your Um, it was encouraging to see your hunger for God and your desire to know hunger for God and your desire to know hunger for God and your desire to know him and to make spiritual disciplines, him and to make spiritual disciplines, him and to make spiritual disciplines, habits of grace personal because they're habits of grace personal because they're habits of grace personal because they're about God, knowing him, having his about God, knowing him, having his about God, knowing him, having his grace, communing with his son. And so we grace, communing with his son. And so we grace, communing with his son. And so we won't be talking explicitly about won't be talking explicitly about won't be talking explicitly about spiritual disciplines or habits of grace spiritual disciplines or habits of grace spiritual disciplines or habits of grace this morning, but about the God, this morning, but about the God, this morning, but about the God, the one for whom and by whom we would the one for whom and by whom we would the one for whom and by whom we would engage in these various avenues of his engage in these various avenues of his engage in these various avenues of his means of grace. means of grace. means of grace. [snorts] [snorts] [snorts] Look at Exodus chapter 14 Look at Exodus chapter 14 Look at Exodus chapter 14 verse 30 and I'll read through 15 verse verse 30 and I'll read through 15 verse verse 30 and I'll read through 15 verse one.

one. one. So just as we read right through So just as we read right through So just as we read right through Galatians 4 into Galatians 5:1, we're Galatians 4 into Galatians 5:1, we're Galatians 4 into Galatians 5:1, we're going to go Exodus 14 into 15:1. [snorts] Thus the Lord saved Israel [snorts] Thus the Lord saved Israel that day from the hand of the Egyptians. that day from the hand of the Egyptians. that day from the hand of the Egyptians. And Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the And Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the And Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore. seashore. seashore. Israel saw the great power that the Lord Israel saw the great power that the Lord Israel saw the great power that the Lord used against the Egyptians. So the used against the Egyptians. So the used against the Egyptians. So the people feared the Lord and they believed people feared the Lord and they believed people feared the Lord and they believed in the Lord and in his servant Moses. in the Lord and in his servant Moses. in the Lord and in his servant Moses. Then Moses and the people of Israel sang Then Moses and the people of Israel sang Then Moses and the people of Israel sang this song to the Lord, saying,"I will this song to the Lord, saying,"I will this song to the Lord, saying,"I will sing to the Lord, for he has triumphed sing to the Lord, for he has triumphed sing to the Lord, for he has triumphed gloriously. gloriously. gloriously. The horse and his rider he has thrown The horse and his rider he has thrown The horse and his rider he has thrown into the sea."

There are some professing Christians There are some professing Christians [snorts] who only seem to know their God [snorts] who only seem to know their God [snorts] who only seem to know their God as fearsome. as fearsome. as fearsome. And I assume there's some in this room And I assume there's some in this room And I assume there's some in this room this morning. this morning. this morning. Meanwhile, Meanwhile, Meanwhile, and far more tragically, and far more tragically, and far more tragically, there are countless unbelievers there are countless unbelievers there are countless unbelievers who do not fear God at all. who do not fear God at all. who do not fear God at all. And I assume that some may be in this And I assume that some may be in this And I assume that some may be in this room this morning. room this morning. room this morning. This is a tragic reversal This is a tragic reversal This is a tragic reversal in our fallen age that some who could in our fallen age that some who could in our fallen age that some who could experience safety in God don't experience safety in God don't experience safety in God don't experience it while others who should experience it while others who should experience it while others who should genuinely fear genuinely fear genuinely fear don't fear. Another concern that I have this morning Another concern that I have this morning is so many Christians today who don't is so many Christians today who don't is so many Christians today who don't ignore God like unbelievers, ignore God like unbelievers, ignore God like unbelievers, nor do they have any fear in their souls nor do they have any fear in their souls nor do they have any fear in their souls like those who are more tender among us.

like those who are more tender among us. like those who are more tender among us. They acknowledge a God, frankly, who is They acknowledge a God, frankly, who is They acknowledge a God, frankly, who is small in their estimation. He's more small in their estimation. He's more small in their estimation. He's more like a pond than the ocean. like a pond than the ocean. like a pond than the ocean. He's more like a trickle than Niagara He's more like a trickle than Niagara He's more like a trickle than Niagara Falls. Falls. Falls. He's more like a hill than like the He's more like a hill than like the He's more like a hill than like the Himalayas. Himalayas. Himalayas. They don't have a vision of God in his They don't have a vision of God in his They don't have a vision of God in his greatness. greatness. greatness. And so their joy in God is small. And so their joy in God is small. And so their joy in God is small. It's thin. As Christians, when we talk about God's As Christians, when we talk about God's attributes, we mention his love, his attributes, we mention his love, his attributes, we mention his love, his mercy, mercy, mercy, his holiness, his justice, the omni his holiness, his justice, the omni his holiness, his justice, the omni ones, omnipotence, omniscience, ones, omnipotence, omniscience, ones, omnipotence, omniscience, omnipresence. omnipresence. omnipresence. But an often overlooked attribute of God But an often overlooked attribute of God But an often overlooked attribute of God today is one that the old theologians today is one that the old theologians today is one that the old theologians called called called his majesty.

his majesty. his majesty. I love his majesty. And I suspect that I love his majesty. And I suspect that I love his majesty. And I suspect that our recovery our recovery our recovery of his majesty today would do some good of his majesty today would do some good of his majesty today would do some good for those who are fearful only without for those who are fearful only without for those who are fearful only without any sense of comfort and for those who any sense of comfort and for those who any sense of comfort and for those who are unbelieving and have no fear. And are unbelieving and have no fear. And are unbelieving and have no fear. And they should. And for all of us who have they should. And for all of us who have they should. And for all of us who have smaller joy, thinner joy than we should smaller joy, thinner joy than we should smaller joy, thinner joy than we should because our vision of God in his power because our vision of God in his power because our vision of God in his power and greatness and greatness and greatness could be so much greater than it is. could be so much greater than it is. could be so much greater than it is. And Exodus chapters 14 and 15 help us And Exodus chapters 14 and 15 help us And Exodus chapters 14 and 15 help us with that. This is a majesty moment with that. This is a majesty moment with that. This is a majesty moment when God shows himself in his majesty to when God shows himself in his majesty to when God shows himself in his majesty to his people. And in Exodus chapter 15, his people. And in Exodus chapter 15, his people. And in Exodus chapter 15, this is a song that his people sing in this is a song that his people sing in this is a song that his people sing in praise of his majesty, praise of his majesty, praise of his majesty, which shows us that chapter 14, which shows us that chapter 14, which shows us that chapter 14, where he saves them, isn't mainly about where he saves them, isn't mainly about where he saves them, isn't mainly about liberating humans from slavery.

liberating humans from slavery. liberating humans from slavery. as if that's the main thing wrong in the as if that's the main thing wrong in the as if that's the main thing wrong in the world. world. world. But it's about showing But it's about showing But it's about showing small, powerless humans the very majesty small, powerless humans the very majesty small, powerless humans the very majesty of the God whom their souls were made to of the God whom their souls were made to of the God whom their souls were made to be thrilled with. God's majesty brings together for us God's majesty brings together for us both his greatness and his goodness, both his greatness and his goodness, both his greatness and his goodness, both his strength both his strength both his strength and his love. and his love. and his love. Majesty is not only a fitting term for Majesty is not only a fitting term for Majesty is not only a fitting term for purple mountain majesties, purple mountain majesties, purple mountain majesties, but it's a particularly appropriate word but it's a particularly appropriate word but it's a particularly appropriate word for God who is the majestic one. As for God who is the majestic one. As for God who is the majestic one. As Isaiah says in chapter 10 verse 34 of Isaiah says in chapter 10 verse 34 of Isaiah says in chapter 10 verse 34 of Isaiah, Isaiah, Isaiah, this word majesty is it's emotive or this word majesty is it's emotive or this word majesty is it's emotive or it's a effective. it's a effective. it's a effective. It indicates that there is a greatness It indicates that there is a greatness It indicates that there is a greatness that has been perceived in the eyes or that has been perceived in the eyes or that has been perceived in the eyes or with the ears. And it's a greatness that with the ears. And it's a greatness that with the ears. And it's a greatness that is also wonderful.

is also wonderful. is also wonderful. It's a bigness that is beautiful to the It's a bigness that is beautiful to the It's a bigness that is beautiful to the eyes. eyes. eyes. There is imposing size, but it's There is imposing size, but it's There is imposing size, but it's received with delight. received with delight. received with delight. There's imposing power, but it's There's imposing power, but it's There's imposing power, but it's attractive. attractive. attractive. Majesty calls attention to God's Majesty calls attention to God's Majesty calls attention to God's greatness [snorts] greatness [snorts] greatness [snorts] and to the glory of that greatness and and to the glory of that greatness and and to the glory of that greatness and to the greatness of his glory. to the greatness of his glory. to the greatness of his glory. So God's enemies see him So God's enemies see him So God's enemies see him in his greatness and that brings terror in his greatness and that brings terror in his greatness and that brings terror as we'll see. as we'll see. as we'll see. And his friends see his greatness and And his friends see his greatness and And his friends see his greatness and they declare his majesty. they declare his majesty. they declare his majesty. And I want you to see it and feel it and And I want you to see it and feel it and And I want you to see it and feel it and declare it aresh this morning. declare it aresh this morning. declare it aresh this morning. Two summers ago, our family was in Two summers ago, our family was in Two summers ago, our family was in Omaha, Nebraska. If we've got any Omaha, Nebraska. If we've got any Omaha, Nebraska. If we've got any college baseball fans here, you know college baseball fans here, you know college baseball fans here, you know that Omaha is the College World Series that Omaha is the College World Series that Omaha is the College World Series town. And so they do these youth town. And so they do these youth town. And so they do these youth baseball tournaments in town during the baseball tournaments in town during the baseball tournaments in town during the College World Series. And so we went College World Series. And so we went College World Series. And so we went there. It's like six-hour drive from St.

there. It's like six-hour drive from St. there. It's like six-hour drive from St. Paul, Minnesota. Paul, Minnesota. Paul, Minnesota. And the first night that we were there And the first night that we were there And the first night that we were there at the hotel, we looked across and at the hotel, we looked across and at the hotel, we looked across and there's a restaurant across an open there's a restaurant across an open there's a restaurant across an open field. So all the parents and players, field. So all the parents and players, field. So all the parents and players, we went over to the restaurant, enjoyed we went over to the restaurant, enjoyed we went over to the restaurant, enjoyed dinner together. Kind of lingered. dinner together. Kind of lingered. dinner together. Kind of lingered. We got done with dinner and we came We got done with dinner and we came We got done with dinner and we came outside and a storm was coming. I mean, outside and a storm was coming. I mean, outside and a storm was coming. I mean, not a usual storm. This is Nebraska. not a usual storm. This is Nebraska. not a usual storm. This is Nebraska. This is hurricane alley. Actually, there This is hurricane alley. Actually, there This is hurricane alley. Actually, there w hurricane tornado alley. w hurricane tornado alley. w hurricane tornado alley. There actually was a tornado that came There actually was a tornado that came There actually was a tornado that came the following evening. There been some the following evening. There been some the following evening. There been some tornado warnings. So, we come out of the tornado warnings. So, we come out of the tornado warnings. So, we come out of the restaurant and we're across a field more restaurant and we're across a field more restaurant and we're across a field more than 100 yards and there's our hotel and than 100 yards and there's our hotel and than 100 yards and there's our hotel and the skies are about to burst. I don't the skies are about to burst. I don't the skies are about to burst. I don't know if I had seen the swirling of dark know if I had seen the swirling of dark know if I had seen the swirling of dark clouds like I had before. So, here we clouds like I had before. So, here we clouds like I had before. So, here we are across this field. We need to get are across this field. We need to get are across this field. We need to get back to our hotel. I think, are we going back to our hotel. I think, are we going back to our hotel. I think, are we going to wait this out at the restaurant? It's to wait this out at the restaurant? It's to wait this out at the restaurant? It's not raining yet. There's no funnel cloud not raining yet. There's no funnel cloud not raining yet. There's no funnel cloud yet. Or are we going to wait at the yet. Or are we going to wait at the yet. Or are we going to wait at the restaurant? Are we making a mad dash?

restaurant? Are we making a mad dash? restaurant? Are we making a mad dash? You can expect what a team of You can expect what a team of You can expect what a team of 13-year-old baseball players and their 13-year-old baseball players and their 13-year-old baseball players and their parents did. We went for the mad dash. parents did. We went for the mad dash. parents did. We went for the mad dash. And as we go across this field, there is And as we go across this field, there is And as we go across this field, there is a great sense of fear. Are the clouds going to burst on us? I Are the clouds going to burst on us? I mean, the wind is picking up. I can't mean, the wind is picking up. I can't mean, the wind is picking up. I can't judge wind speed on the fly. It's judge wind speed on the fly. It's judge wind speed on the fly. It's picking up. picking up. picking up. We're fearful as we run across this We're fearful as we run across this We're fearful as we run across this field. But then the most amazing thing field. But then the most amazing thing field. But then the most amazing thing happened once we got to the hotel safe. happened once we got to the hotel safe. happened once we got to the hotel safe. Nobody went inside. Nobody went inside. Nobody went inside. I was expecting everybody's going to run I was expecting everybody's going to run I was expecting everybody's going to run inside, go to their rooms, hide. inside, go to their rooms, hide. inside, go to their rooms, hide. Everyone lingered outside by the Everyone lingered outside by the Everyone lingered outside by the building. Like now we're safe. Got this building. Like now we're safe. Got this building. Like now we're safe. Got this building right here. If the skies break building right here. If the skies break building right here. If the skies break loose, we just back into the building. loose, we just back into the building. loose, we just back into the building. We're good. But what we wanted to do was We're good. But what we wanted to do was We're good. But what we wanted to do was linger. We wanted to see the majesty. We linger. We wanted to see the majesty. We linger. We wanted to see the majesty. We wanted to be thrilled. And so from a wanted to be thrilled. And so from a wanted to be thrilled. And so from a safe place, not running across the safe place, not running across the safe place, not running across the field, that wasn't safe. From a safe field, that wasn't safe. From a safe field, that wasn't safe. From a safe place by the hotel, we could view this place by the hotel, we could view this place by the hotel, we could view this site and have our souls thrilled by its site and have our souls thrilled by its site and have our souls thrilled by its bigness, its power, from a place of bigness, its power, from a place of bigness, its power, from a place of safety.

The book of Genesis The book of Genesis does not use the term majesty. does not use the term majesty. does not use the term majesty. Nor does it refer to the glory of God Nor does it refer to the glory of God Nor does it refer to the glory of God explicitly. explicitly. explicitly. God saves that for the story of the God saves that for the story of the God saves that for the story of the Exodus. In fact, he saves it for Exodus Exodus. In fact, he saves it for Exodus Exodus. In fact, he saves it for Exodus 14 and 15. 14 and 15. 14 and 15. This is the first use of language in the This is the first use of language in the This is the first use of language in the Bible about God's glory and about his Bible about God's glory and about his Bible about God's glory and about his majesty. majesty. majesty. And one thing that sets it up is this And one thing that sets it up is this And one thing that sets it up is this foreboating statement in Exodus 5 20. foreboating statement in Exodus 5 20. foreboating statement in Exodus 5 20. He's called Moses, had the burning bush. He's called Moses, had the burning bush. He's called Moses, had the burning bush. He comes to Pharaoh for the first time He comes to Pharaoh for the first time He comes to Pharaoh for the first time and he says, "Thus says the Lord, the and he says, "Thus says the Lord, the and he says, "Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, let my people go." God of Israel, let my people go." God of Israel, let my people go." I don't know what Moses expected the I don't know what Moses expected the I don't know what Moses expected the first response to be. first response to be. first response to be. But listen to how Pharaoh responds. But listen to how Pharaoh responds. But listen to how Pharaoh responds. He says, "Who is the Lord He says, "Who is the Lord He says, "Who is the Lord that I should obey his voice and let that I should obey his voice and let that I should obey his voice and let Israel go? I do not know the Lord.

Israel go? I do not know the Lord. Israel go? I do not know the Lord. Moreover, I will not let Israel go. Mark that. Mark that. When Pharaoh asks, "Who [snorts] is the When Pharaoh asks, "Who [snorts] is the When Pharaoh asks, "Who [snorts] is the Lord? I do not know who the Lord is." Lord? I do not know who the Lord is." Lord? I do not know who the Lord is." You know how the story goes. And we You know how the story goes. And we You know how the story goes. And we pause here and we say, "Oh, Pharaoh, pause here and we say, "Oh, Pharaoh, pause here and we say, "Oh, Pharaoh, you will know. You're gonna know. you will know. You're gonna know. you will know. You're gonna know. This is what God's going to do This is what God's going to do This is what God's going to do in 10 plagues and what God's going to do in 10 plagues and what God's going to do in 10 plagues and what God's going to do with the Red Sea. You're going to know. with the Red Sea. You're going to know. with the Red Sea. You're going to know. And you're going to know him in his And you're going to know him in his And you're going to know him in his judgments on you. You're not going to judgments on you. You're not going to judgments on you. You're not going to know him from a safe place. know him from a safe place. know him from a safe place. You will know him in his judgments. You will know him in his judgments. You will know him in his judgments. You'll know that he's the Lord. No more will Pharaoh be able to say, No more will Pharaoh be able to say, "Who is the Lord?" "Who is the Lord?" "Who is the Lord?" I don't know who he is. I don't know who he is. I don't know who he is. Pharaoh will know him, but not as Pharaoh will know him, but not as Pharaoh will know him, but not as friend. Pharaoh will know him as a friend. Pharaoh will know him as a friend. Pharaoh will know him as a vanquishing foe.

vanquishing foe. vanquishing foe. And God brings that back twice in Exodus And God brings that back twice in Exodus And God brings that back twice in Exodus chapter 14. So this is Exodus 14:4. chapter 14. So this is Exodus 14:4. chapter 14. So this is Exodus 14:4. This is a setup for what God is doing This is a setup for what God is doing This is a setup for what God is doing here in these chapters in showing his here in these chapters in showing his here in these chapters in showing his people his majesty. people his majesty. people his majesty. Verse four, I will harden Pharaoh's Verse four, I will harden Pharaoh's Verse four, I will harden Pharaoh's heart and he will pursue them the people heart and he will pursue them the people heart and he will pursue them the people and I will get glory over Pharaoh and and I will get glory over Pharaoh and and I will get glory over Pharaoh and all his host and the Egyptians shall all his host and the Egyptians shall all his host and the Egyptians shall know know know that I am the Lord. that I am the Lord. that I am the Lord. Verses 17 and 18. I will harden the Verses 17 and 18. I will harden the Verses 17 and 18. I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians so that they hearts of the Egyptians so that they hearts of the Egyptians so that they shall go in after them. And I will get shall go in after them. And I will get shall go in after them. And I will get glory over Pharaoh and all his host, his glory over Pharaoh and all his host, his glory over Pharaoh and all his host, his chariots and his horsemen. And the chariots and his horsemen. And the chariots and his horsemen. And the Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord when I have gotten glory over Pharaoh when I have gotten glory over Pharaoh when I have gotten glory over Pharaoh and his chariots and his horsemen. Pharaoh thinks he's so majestic.

Pharaoh thinks he's so majestic. He's king. He's God. He's king. He's God. He's king. He's God. He's the most powerful man in the world. But at the Red Sea, God will show his But at the Red Sea, God will show his people and he will show their oppressors people and he will show their oppressors people and he will show their oppressors his own majesty. The reason that it goes down like it The reason that it goes down like it does at the Red Sea with all these does at the Red Sea with all these does at the Red Sea with all these strange and unexpected details is that strange and unexpected details is that strange and unexpected details is that God's making himself known as majestic God's making himself known as majestic God's making himself known as majestic to his people. The point isn't simply to to his people. The point isn't simply to to his people. The point isn't simply to free captives from slavery. God could free captives from slavery. God could free captives from slavery. God could have done that in a snap. have done that in a snap. have done that in a snap. Why all these 10 plagues drawn out? Why Why all these 10 plagues drawn out? Why Why all these 10 plagues drawn out? Why this scene, this strange scene at the this scene, this strange scene at the this scene, this strange scene at the Red Sea? Red Sea? Red Sea? The point is not simple human The point is not simple human The point is not simple human liberation. It is the revelation of liberation. It is the revelation of liberation. It is the revelation of divine majesty. divine majesty. divine majesty. So then how does God get glory over So then how does God get glory over So then how does God get glory over Pharaoh, Pharaoh, Pharaoh, over the Egyptians? How does he show the over the Egyptians? How does he show the over the Egyptians? How does he show the world and show all history and show us?

world and show all history and show us? world and show all history and show us? God made it that we would have this God made it that we would have this God made it that we would have this today to see his majesty. How does he today to see his majesty. How does he today to see his majesty. How does he show us his majesty? in Exodus 14 and show us his majesty? in Exodus 14 and show us his majesty? in Exodus 14 and 15. Four ways. Number one, 15. Four ways. Number one, 15. Four ways. Number one, God shows his people his great power. God shows his people his great power. God shows his people his great power. He shows his people his great power. He shows his people his great power. He shows his people his great power. Look at verse 30. Look at verse 30. Look at verse 30. Wonderfully understated. Verse 30. Thus Wonderfully understated. Verse 30. Thus Wonderfully understated. Verse 30. Thus the Lord saved Israel that day the Lord saved Israel that day the Lord saved Israel that day from the hand of the Egyptians. And you from the hand of the Egyptians. And you from the hand of the Egyptians. And you know hand is an image of power, right? know hand is an image of power, right? know hand is an image of power, right? Arm reaches, hand has power. So the hand Arm reaches, hand has power. So the hand Arm reaches, hand has power. So the hand of the Egyptians is the Egyptians power. of the Egyptians is the Egyptians power. of the Egyptians is the Egyptians power. God saves them from Egypt's power. So God saves them from Egypt's power. So God saves them from Egypt's power. So verse 31 says, "Israel saw the great verse 31 says, "Israel saw the great verse 31 says, "Israel saw the great power power power that the Lord used against the that the Lord used against the that the Lord used against the Egyptians."

If you remember the story, you might If you remember the story, you might say, say, say, "This is all so dramatic than it needs "This is all so dramatic than it needs "This is all so dramatic than it needs to be, right? to be, right? to be, right? Why does God do it this way?" So verses Why does God do it this way?" So verses Why does God do it this way?" So verses 1 to9 of chapter 14 give us this strange 1 to9 of chapter 14 give us this strange 1 to9 of chapter 14 give us this strange setup. Essentially, God backs his people on purpose up God backs his people on purpose up against the Red Sea. They get there by against the Red Sea. They get there by against the Red Sea. They get there by God's instructions. God's instructions. God's instructions. So, he moves the enemy then to come So, he moves the enemy then to come So, he moves the enemy then to come after them. He says, "I'm going to after them. He says, "I'm going to after them. He says, "I'm going to harden Pharaoh's heart. I'm going to harden Pharaoh's heart. I'm going to harden Pharaoh's heart. I'm going to change his mind. I'm going to draw him change his mind. I'm going to draw him change his mind. I'm going to draw him out to come after you when you're pinned out to come after you when you're pinned out to come after you when you're pinned up against the sea." And in the moment, up against the sea." And in the moment, up against the sea." And in the moment, this seems awful to God's people. Can this seems awful to God's people. Can this seems awful to God's people. Can you imagine how they're doubting him? you imagine how they're doubting him? you imagine how they're doubting him? It'd be better to be slavery back in It'd be better to be slavery back in It'd be better to be slavery back in Egypt, they complain, than to be dead Egypt, they complain, than to be dead Egypt, they complain, than to be dead here, their back up against the sea. But it's a setup. It is a setup for God But it's a setup. It is a setup for God to put on a show for his people.

to put on a show for his people. to put on a show for his people. The Egyptians will soon be dead. He's The Egyptians will soon be dead. He's The Egyptians will soon be dead. He's going to fulfill the promise, the need going to fulfill the promise, the need going to fulfill the promise, the need to show himself to Pharaoh. It's not to show himself to Pharaoh. It's not to show himself to Pharaoh. It's not mainly about Pharaoh. He is going to mainly about Pharaoh. He is going to mainly about Pharaoh. He is going to show his people his power. The enemy does not yet know God's power. The enemy does not yet know God's power. But here's the thing. Neither does But here's the thing. Neither does But here's the thing. Neither does Israel. Israel. Israel. God's people don't yet know how they God's people don't yet know how they God's people don't yet know how they should fear him and what great power he should fear him and what great power he should fear him and what great power he has. Verse 10 says that the people has. Verse 10 says that the people has. Verse 10 says that the people greatly fear the Egyptians. greatly fear the Egyptians. greatly fear the Egyptians. See, they got it wrong. See, they got it wrong. See, they got it wrong. They don't understand yet They don't understand yet They don't understand yet that their fear should be turned toward that their fear should be turned toward that their fear should be turned toward their God, not toward Egypt. their God, not toward Egypt. their God, not toward Egypt. And they're about to see who they should And they're about to see who they should And they're about to see who they should really fear. And so Moses says in verses really fear. And so Moses says in verses really fear. And so Moses says in verses 13 and 14, 13 and 14, 13 and 14, "Fear not, Israel.

"Fear not, Israel. "Fear not, Israel. Stand firm. Stand firm. Stand firm. See the salvation of the Lord which he See the salvation of the Lord which he See the salvation of the Lord which he will work for you today. will work for you today. will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, For the Egyptians whom you see today, For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see them again. you shall never see them again. you shall never see them again. The Lord will fight for you. You only The Lord will fight for you. You only The Lord will fight for you. You only have to be silent. All you got to do is watch. All you got to do is watch. All you got to do is stay quiet. All you got to do is stay quiet. All you got to do is stay quiet. [snorts] You don't need to lift a [snorts] You don't need to lift a [snorts] You don't need to lift a finger. You dare not lift a finger. You finger. You dare not lift a finger. You finger. You dare not lift a finger. You dare not raise your swords or even raise dare not raise your swords or even raise dare not raise your swords or even raise your voice. your voice. your voice. Not even a war cry. Not even a war cry. Not even a war cry. Later on at Jericho, he'll say, "Let's Later on at Jericho, he'll say, "Let's Later on at Jericho, he'll say, "Let's do a war cry at Jericho." do a war cry at Jericho." do a war cry at Jericho." Not here. You just stay quiet. Just Not here. You just stay quiet. Just Not here. You just stay quiet. Just watch this power. God shows us something about himself God shows us something about himself when he saves his people apart from when he saves his people apart from when he saves his people apart from their obedience.

He shows us another aspect. When he uses He shows us another aspect. When he uses his people and they participate, when he his people and they participate, when he his people and they participate, when he gives them power in their souls, power gives them power in their souls, power gives them power in their souls, power inwardly that would be expressed in inwardly that would be expressed in inwardly that would be expressed in actions. actions. actions. But here But here But here they only have to be silent. they only have to be silent. they only have to be silent. This salvation that God brings at the This salvation that God brings at the This salvation that God brings at the Red Sea is a sea only salvation at this Red Sea is a sea only salvation at this Red Sea is a sea only salvation at this point. This is a faith alone rescue. point. This is a faith alone rescue. point. This is a faith alone rescue. God does not say take up your weapons. God does not say take up your weapons. God does not say take up your weapons. There will be other times for that. There will be other times for that. There will be other times for that. Chapter 17, he'll say, "Take up your Chapter 17, he'll say, "Take up your Chapter 17, he'll say, "Take up your weapons against the Amalachites." That's weapons against the Amalachites." That's weapons against the Amalachites." That's coming. He does that, too. But before he coming. He does that, too. But before he coming. He does that, too. But before he calls his people to battle and works calls his people to battle and works calls his people to battle and works through them, he first fights for them through them, he first fights for them through them, he first fights for them without them doing anything but without them doing anything but without them doing anything but watching. He is putting on a show of his great He is putting on a show of his great power. Don't miss here the nature of his power Don't miss here the nature of his power for the rescues you might need right for the rescues you might need right for the rescues you might need right now.

now. now. I don't know where you would be in your I don't know where you would be in your I don't know where you would be in your life backed up against a Red Sea. life backed up against a Red Sea. life backed up against a Red Sea. There's no way. There's no how. You There's no way. There's no how. You There's no way. There's no how. You don't see any way out. don't see any way out. don't see any way out. It might be a marriage you think is It might be a marriage you think is It might be a marriage you think is done. It's a friend or a child you're done. It's a friend or a child you're done. It's a friend or a child you're estranged to. think it'll never be estranged to. think it'll never be estranged to. think it'll never be reconciled. reconciled. reconciled. There seems like there's no other There seems like there's no other There seems like there's no other options. There's no possibilities. options. There's no possibilities. options. There's no possibilities. The chariots are bearing down on you. The chariots are bearing down on you. The chariots are bearing down on you. It's only a matter of time. What is God doing in your life when he's What is God doing in your life when he's backing you up into an impossible place? backing you up into an impossible place? backing you up into an impossible place? He's hemming you in from all sides. He's hemming you in from all sides. He's hemming you in from all sides. You don't see the path out. You don't see the path out. You don't see the path out. There's nothing you can do. You have no There's nothing you can do. You have no There's nothing you can do. You have no agency in this rescue. He means to show you his majesty. He means to show you his majesty. He wants to show you his power, his He wants to show you his power, his He wants to show you his power, his greatness.

greatness. greatness. So here's a taste on the other side of So here's a taste on the other side of So here's a taste on the other side of the rescue from chapter 15. So what I the rescue from chapter 15. So what I the rescue from chapter 15. So what I want to do here under these points, I'll want to do here under these points, I'll want to do here under these points, I'll give you some tastes from chapter 15. give you some tastes from chapter 15. give you some tastes from chapter 15. After the rescue, how do the people After the rescue, how do the people After the rescue, how do the people praise him? Here's our first taste. praise him? Here's our first taste. praise him? Here's our first taste. verses 1 to5 of chapter 15. Listen for how his people praise his Listen for how his people praise his power. He's shown them his power. power. He's shown them his power. power. He's shown them his power. How do they see it and praise him for How do they see it and praise him for How do they see it and praise him for it? Then Moses and the people of Israel it? Then Moses and the people of Israel it? Then Moses and the people of Israel sang this song to the Lord, saying, "I sang this song to the Lord, saying, "I sang this song to the Lord, saying, "I will sing to the Lord, for he has will sing to the Lord, for he has will sing to the Lord, for he has triumphed gloriously. triumphed gloriously. triumphed gloriously. The horse and the rider, he's thrown The horse and the rider, he's thrown The horse and the rider, he's thrown into the sea. The Lord is my strength." into the sea. The Lord is my strength." into the sea. The Lord is my strength." Oh, it's good that he's strong because Oh, it's good that he's strong because Oh, it's good that he's strong because he's my strength and my song. He has he's my strength and my song. He has he's my strength and my song. He has become my salvation. This is my God and become my salvation. This is my God and become my salvation. This is my God and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him. The Lord is a man of I will exalt him. The Lord is a man of I will exalt him. The Lord is a man of war. The Lord is his name. Pharaoh's war. The Lord is his name. Pharaoh's war. The Lord is his name. Pharaoh's chariots and his host. He cast into the chariots and his host. He cast into the chariots and his host. He cast into the sea, and his chosen officers were sunk sea, and his chosen officers were sunk sea, and his chosen officers were sunk in the Red Sea. The floods cover them, in the Red Sea. The floods cover them, in the Red Sea. The floods cover them, and they went down into the depths like and they went down into the depths like and they went down into the depths like a stone.

a stone. a stone. So, first, God shows his people his So, first, God shows his people his So, first, God shows his people his power. Second, power. Second, power. Second, God shakes off his enemies. God shakes off his enemies. God shakes off his enemies. This is an amazing image here that he This is an amazing image here that he This is an amazing image here that he shakes them off. That's an expression in one sense of That's an expression in one sense of this is not a fair fight between the this is not a fair fight between the this is not a fair fight between the living God and Pharaoh and his army. God flexes over them, so to speak. He's God flexes over them, so to speak. He's not overdone. not overdone. not overdone. He wouldn't get a technical foul for it He wouldn't get a technical foul for it He wouldn't get a technical foul for it or a 15yard penalty, or a 15yard penalty, or a 15yard penalty, but it's it's a flex. but it's it's a flex. but it's it's a flex. It sends them into a panic. So, first he It sends them into a panic. So, first he It sends them into a panic. So, first he looks down on them is what it says. Let looks down on them is what it says. Let looks down on them is what it says. Let me read for you verses 19 to 25. It's in me read for you verses 19 to 25. It's in me read for you verses 19 to 25. It's in chapter 14. Then the angel of God who chapter 14. Then the angel of God who chapter 14. Then the angel of God who was going before them before the host of was going before them before the host of was going before them before the host of Israel moved and went behind them and Israel moved and went behind them and Israel moved and went behind them and the pillar of cloud moved from before the pillar of cloud moved from before the pillar of cloud moved from before them and stood behind them coming them and stood behind them coming them and stood behind them coming between the host of Egypt and the host between the host of Egypt and the host between the host of Egypt and the host of Israel. Right? So the this pillar of of Israel. Right? So the this pillar of of Israel. Right? So the this pillar of fire that's been leading them moves in fire that's been leading them moves in fire that's been leading them moves in between to protect them.

between to protect them. between to protect them. And there was the cloud and the And there was the cloud and the And there was the cloud and the darkness, and it lit up the night darkness, and it lit up the night darkness, and it lit up the night without one coming near the other all without one coming near the other all without one coming near the other all night. Then Moses stretched out his hand night. Then Moses stretched out his hand night. Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea. And the Lord drove back over the sea. And the Lord drove back over the sea. And the Lord drove back the sea by a strong east wind all night, the sea by a strong east wind all night, the sea by a strong east wind all night, and made the sea dry land, and the and made the sea dry land, and the and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided. waters were divided. waters were divided. And the people of Israel went into the And the people of Israel went into the And the people of Israel went into the midst of the sea on dry ground. the midst of the sea on dry ground. the midst of the sea on dry ground. the waters being a wall to them on their waters being a wall to them on their waters being a wall to them on their right and on their left. right and on their left. right and on their left. The Egyptians pursued The Egyptians pursued The Egyptians pursued and went in after them into the midst of and went in after them into the midst of and went in after them into the midst of the sea. All Pharaoh's horses, his the sea. All Pharaoh's horses, his the sea. All Pharaoh's horses, his chariots, and his horsemen. chariots, and his horsemen. chariots, and his horsemen. And in the morning watch, the Lord in And in the morning watch, the Lord in And in the morning watch, the Lord in the pillar of fire and of cloud the pillar of fire and of cloud the pillar of fire and of cloud looked down looked down looked down on the Egyptian forces on the Egyptian forces on the Egyptian forces and threw them into a panic, clogging and threw them into a panic, clogging and threw them into a panic, clogging their chariot wheels so that they drove their chariot wheels so that they drove their chariot wheels so that they drove heavily. And the Egyptians said, "Let us heavily. And the Egyptians said, "Let us heavily. And the Egyptians said, "Let us flee from before Israel, for the Lord flee from before Israel, for the Lord flee from before Israel, for the Lord fights for them against the Egyptians."

It's like Genesis 11 at the Tower of It's like Genesis 11 at the Tower of Babel. Babel. Babel. You know that story? Genesis 11:5. Humans in their pride are building this Humans in their pride are building this great tower to the heavens. They say, great tower to the heavens. They say, great tower to the heavens. They say, "We're going to build our way up to God. And Genesis 11:5 says, "The Lord came And Genesis 11:5 says, "The Lord came down to see the city and the tower and down to see the city and the tower and down to see the city and the tower and the children of which the children of the children of which the children of the children of which the children of man had built." Like, "Oh, I'm sorry. Is Is that a tower Like, "Oh, I'm sorry. Is Is that a tower down there? I can't I can't quite see. down there? I can't I can't quite see. down there? I can't I can't quite see. I think they're trying to build a tower. I think they're trying to build a tower. I think they're trying to build a tower. That's so adorable." That's so adorable." That's so adorable." It's a similar image here represented in It's a similar image here represented in It's a similar image here represented in the cloud of fire. It's like, "Oh, I'm the cloud of fire. It's like, "Oh, I'm the cloud of fire. It's like, "Oh, I'm sorry. Is Is that an army down there? sorry. Is Is that an army down there? sorry. Is Is that an army down there? Are those chariots? Is that your best Are those chariots? Is that your best Are those chariots? Is that your best chariots, Pharaoh?" chariots, Pharaoh?" chariots, Pharaoh?" He looks down on them He looks down on them He looks down on them somehow. I don't know how this works. somehow. I don't know how this works. somehow. I don't know how this works. I've never seen a pillar of fire look I've never seen a pillar of fire look I've never seen a pillar of fire look down on an army.

down on an army. down on an army. But it throws them into a panic and they But it throws them into a panic and they But it throws them into a panic and they realize in the moment it's all too late. realize in the moment it's all too late. realize in the moment it's all too late. They're in big trouble. God doesn't just They're in big trouble. God doesn't just They're in big trouble. God doesn't just look down on them. But then verse 27 look down on them. But then verse 27 look down on them. But then verse 27 says he shakes them off. My boys are baseball players. Think My boys are baseball players. Think about shaking it off. When you got a about shaking it off. When you got a about shaking it off. When you got a batter, the pitcher throws his hardest batter, the pitcher throws his hardest batter, the pitcher throws his hardest pitch. It hits the batter and the batter pitch. It hits the batter and the batter pitch. It hits the batter and the batter just kind of shakes it off. Go to first. just kind of shakes it off. Go to first. just kind of shakes it off. Go to first. I'll take my base. Is that all you got, I'll take my base. Is that all you got, I'll take my base. Is that all you got, pitcher? Come on. That didn't [snorts] pitcher? Come on. That didn't [snorts] pitcher? Come on. That didn't [snorts] even hurt. Just shake it off. Or if even hurt. Just shake it off. Or if even hurt. Just shake it off. Or if you're at the beach, your towel, get you're at the beach, your towel, get you're at the beach, your towel, get some sand on it. Sand is no threat. some sand on it. Sand is no threat. some sand on it. Sand is no threat. Shake it off. Shake it off. Shake it off. And think about the Taylor Swift song. And think about the Taylor Swift song. And think about the Taylor Swift song. But you can shake off But you can shake off But you can shake off haters comments toward you. Shake it haters comments toward you. Shake it haters comments toward you. Shake it off. No big deal. That's what it means. off. No big deal. That's what it means. off. No big deal. That's what it means. It's no big deal. It means that Pharaoh and his armies are It means that Pharaoh and his armies are weak. They're small. God just shakes weak. They're small. God just shakes weak. They're small. God just shakes them off. Here's verses 26 to 29. Then them off. Here's verses 26 to 29. Then them off. Here's verses 26 to 29. Then the Lord said to Moses, "Stretch out the Lord said to Moses, "Stretch out the Lord said to Moses, "Stretch out your hand over the sea that the water your hand over the sea that the water your hand over the sea that the water may come back upon the Egyptians, upon may come back upon the Egyptians, upon may come back upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots, upon their horsemen."

their chariots, upon their horsemen." their chariots, upon their horsemen." So Moses stretched out his hand over the So Moses stretched out his hand over the So Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to its normal sea, and the sea returned to its normal sea, and the sea returned to its normal course when the morning appeared. And as course when the morning appeared. And as course when the morning appeared. And as the Egyptians fled into it, the Lord, the Egyptians fled into it, the Lord, the Egyptians fled into it, the Lord, ESV says, through, and it's got a note ESV says, through, and it's got a note ESV says, through, and it's got a note with a marginal reading, which says, with a marginal reading, which says, with a marginal reading, which says, "The Lord shook off the Egyptians into "The Lord shook off the Egyptians into "The Lord shook off the Egyptians into the midst of the sea. the midst of the sea. the midst of the sea. The waters returned and covered the The waters returned and covered the The waters returned and covered the chariots and the horsemen, and all the chariots and the horsemen, and all the chariots and the horsemen, and all the host of Pharaoh that had followed them host of Pharaoh that had followed them host of Pharaoh that had followed them into the sea. Not one of them remained, into the sea. Not one of them remained, into the sea. Not one of them remained, but the people of Israel walked on dry but the people of Israel walked on dry but the people of Israel walked on dry ground through the sea, the waters being ground through the sea, the waters being ground through the sea, the waters being a wall to them on their right hand a wall to them on their right hand a wall to them on their right hand [snorts] and on their left. So, as [snorts] and on their left. So, as [snorts] and on their left. So, as promised, Pharaoh and the Egyptians promised, Pharaoh and the Egyptians promised, Pharaoh and the Egyptians come to know God. They do. come to know God. They do. come to know God. They do. They come to know him in his great power They come to know him in his great power They come to know him in his great power against them as he looks down on them as he looks down on them and as he makes them panic and as he and as he makes them panic and as he and as he makes them panic and as he shakes them off into the bottom of the shakes them off into the bottom of the shakes them off into the bottom of the sea.

sea. sea. So here's another glimpse of their So here's another glimpse of their So here's another glimpse of their praise. praise. praise. Glimpse of the people's praise. This is Glimpse of the people's praise. This is Glimpse of the people's praise. This is verses six to 10 of chapter 15. They see verses six to 10 of chapter 15. They see verses six to 10 of chapter 15. They see his majesty. He says, they say, "Your his majesty. He says, they say, "Your his majesty. He says, they say, "Your right hand, oh God, glorious in power or right hand, oh God, glorious in power or right hand, oh God, glorious in power or majestic in power, your right hand, oh majestic in power, your right hand, oh majestic in power, your right hand, oh Lord, shatters the enemy. In the Lord, shatters the enemy. In the Lord, shatters the enemy. In the greatness of your majesty, you overthrow greatness of your majesty, you overthrow greatness of your majesty, you overthrow your adversaries. You send out your your adversaries. You send out your your adversaries. You send out your fury. It consumes them like stubble. At fury. It consumes them like stubble. At fury. It consumes them like stubble. At the blast of your nostrils, the waters the blast of your nostrils, the waters the blast of your nostrils, the waters piled up, the flood stood up in a heap, piled up, the flood stood up in a heap, piled up, the flood stood up in a heap, the deeps congealed in the heart of the the deeps congealed in the heart of the the deeps congealed in the heart of the sea. The enemy said, "I will pursue. I sea. The enemy said, "I will pursue. I sea. The enemy said, "I will pursue. I will overtake. I will divide the spoil. will overtake. I will divide the spoil. will overtake. I will divide the spoil. My desire shall have its fill of them. I My desire shall have its fill of them. I My desire shall have its fill of them. I will draw my sword and my hand shall will draw my sword and my hand shall will draw my sword and my hand shall destroy them." destroy them." destroy them." You blew your wind. You blew your wind. You blew your wind. The sea covered them. They sank like The sea covered them. They sank like The sea covered them. They sank like lead in the mighty waters. lead in the mighty waters. lead in the mighty waters. So, how does God show his majesty?

So, how does God show his majesty? So, how does God show his majesty? He acts to show his people his great He acts to show his people his great He acts to show his people his great power power power and he shakes off their enemies like and he shakes off their enemies like and he shakes off their enemies like they are nothing. they are nothing. they are nothing. Number three, Number three, Number three, he thrills his people he thrills his people he thrills his people with fear that sings. He thrills his people with a fear that He thrills his people with a fear that sings. sings. sings. This Red Sea crossing is all about fear, This Red Sea crossing is all about fear, This Red Sea crossing is all about fear, about Israel's fear, and about Egypt's about Israel's fear, and about Egypt's about Israel's fear, and about Egypt's fear. fear. fear. Egypt goes from a fearless pursuit to Egypt goes from a fearless pursuit to Egypt goes from a fearless pursuit to panic when God pivots on them. panic when God pivots on them. panic when God pivots on them. And you might think, all right, that And you might think, all right, that And you might think, all right, that Israel is going to go from this great Israel is going to go from this great Israel is going to go from this great fear of verse 10 and this great fear of fear of verse 10 and this great fear of fear of verse 10 and this great fear of the Egyptians and they're going to go the Egyptians and they're going to go the Egyptians and they're going to go from great fear to fearlessness. from great fear to fearlessness. from great fear to fearlessness. Now we're the fearless people of Israel.

Now we're the fearless people of Israel. Now we're the fearless people of Israel. But that's not what happens. But that's not what happens. But that's not what happens. Look at how this ends in verse 31. Look at how this ends in verse 31. Look at how this ends in verse 31. Chapter 14:31. Chapter 14:31. Chapter 14:31. Israel saw the great power that the Lord Israel saw the great power that the Lord Israel saw the great power that the Lord used against the Egyptians. So the used against the Egyptians. So the used against the Egyptians. So the people feared the Lord, people feared the Lord, people feared the Lord, not the Egyptians. They feared the Lord not the Egyptians. They feared the Lord not the Egyptians. They feared the Lord and they believed in the Lord and in his and they believed in the Lord and in his and they believed in the Lord and in his servant Moses. servant Moses. servant Moses. Now they've seen the power of God on Now they've seen the power of God on Now they've seen the power of God on display. Plague after plague after display. Plague after plague after display. Plague after plague after plague. plague. plague. But now But now But now in this dramatic demonstration of his in this dramatic demonstration of his in this dramatic demonstration of his great power, they see how far God's great power, they see how far God's great power, they see how far God's power surpasses Pharaoh and Egypt. power surpasses Pharaoh and Egypt. power surpasses Pharaoh and Egypt. All along the way, they should not have All along the way, they should not have All along the way, they should not have been fearing Pharaoh. He's so tiny. been fearing Pharaoh. He's so tiny. been fearing Pharaoh. He's so tiny. They should have been fearing God. They should have been fearing God. They should have been fearing God. But for Israel, it's not the kind of But for Israel, it's not the kind of But for Israel, it's not the kind of fear that throws them into a panic. It's fear that throws them into a panic. It's fear that throws them into a panic. It's not a terrorizing fear.

not a terrorizing fear. not a terrorizing fear. It's the kind of fear that elicits It's the kind of fear that elicits It's the kind of fear that elicits praise. praise. praise. That's the amazing connection between That's the amazing connection between That's the amazing connection between the end of chapter 14 right into the the end of chapter 14 right into the the end of chapter 14 right into the beginning of chapter 15. So the next beginning of chapter 15. So the next beginning of chapter 15. So the next thing recorded after the people fear God thing recorded after the people fear God thing recorded after the people fear God and believe in him and his servant and believe in him and his servant and believe in him and his servant Moses. The next thing is then Moses and Moses. The next thing is then Moses and Moses. The next thing is then Moses and the people of Israel sang this song to the people of Israel sang this song to the people of Israel sang this song to the Lord saying I will sing to the Lord the Lord saying I will sing to the Lord the Lord saying I will sing to the Lord for he has triumphed gloriously for he has triumphed gloriously for he has triumphed gloriously literally for he is highly exalted. He literally for he is highly exalted. He literally for he is highly exalted. He has highly exalted himself. has highly exalted himself. has highly exalted himself. The horse and his rider he's thrown into The horse and his rider he's thrown into The horse and his rider he's thrown into the sea. The Lord is my strength and my the sea. The Lord is my strength and my the sea. The Lord is my strength and my song. song. song. He has become my salvation. This is my He has become my salvation. This is my He has become my salvation. This is my God. I will praise him. My father's God God. I will praise him. My father's God God. I will praise him. My father's God and I will join him in exalting himself. and I will join him in exalting himself. and I will join him in exalting himself. I will exalt him. And as God's people And as God's people delight in him and praise him, delight in him and praise him, delight in him and praise him, you know what happens?

you know what happens? you know what happens? God gets glory. God gets glory. God gets glory. He looks good. He looks good. He looks good. The people see his great power and they The people see his great power and they The people see his great power and they feel a a delighted fear, feel a a delighted fear, feel a a delighted fear, a fearsome joy. a fearsome joy. a fearsome joy. He's our God and he's strong. He's our God and he's strong. He's our God and he's strong. And they not only see it, but they say And they not only see it, but they say And they not only see it, but they say it. And they don't only say it, but they it. And they don't only say it, but they it. And they don't only say it, but they want to sing it. They have a fear that want to sing it. They have a fear that want to sing it. They have a fear that doesn't panic. They have a fear that doesn't panic. They have a fear that doesn't panic. They have a fear that sings. And this mingling of fear And this mingling of fear with delight does not ruin the joy of with delight does not ruin the joy of with delight does not ruin the joy of salvation. salvation. salvation. It intensifies the joy of salvation. It intensifies the joy of salvation. It intensifies the joy of salvation. This is not a small mild joy that they This is not a small mild joy that they This is not a small mild joy that they experience at the Red Sea. This is a experience at the Red Sea. This is a experience at the Red Sea. This is a fearsome joy. It's utterly thrilling.

fearsome joy. It's utterly thrilling. fearsome joy. It's utterly thrilling. It's an exquisite delight It's an exquisite delight It's an exquisite delight to be so rescued by a God like this of to be so rescued by a God like this of to be so rescued by a God like this of infinite wisdom and great power. And when God's people respond with such And when God's people respond with such an intensity of joy and with a fear that an intensity of joy and with a fear that an intensity of joy and with a fear that sings, he is greatly glorified. sings, he is greatly glorified. sings, he is greatly glorified. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> He looks really good when his people see >> He looks really good when his people see >> He looks really good when his people see his majesty and fear him with that kind his majesty and fear him with that kind his majesty and fear him with that kind of joyful, delighted fear. of joyful, delighted fear. of joyful, delighted fear. So God gets glory when his enemies cower So God gets glory when his enemies cower So God gets glory when his enemies cower and when he defeats them and he gets and when he defeats them and he gets and when he defeats them and he gets even more glory when they panic and he even more glory when they panic and he even more glory when they panic and he shakes them off. shakes them off. shakes them off. And God gets glory when his people enjoy And God gets glory when his people enjoy And God gets glory when his people enjoy him and thank him. And he gets even more him and thank him. And he gets even more him and thank him. And he gets even more glory when their hearts thrill glory when their hearts thrill glory when their hearts thrill at his great power and his great love at his great power and his great love at his great power and his great love when they move from fear of things in when they move from fear of things in when they move from fear of things in this world to a greater fear, a holier this world to a greater fear, a holier this world to a greater fear, a holier fear, a happier fear in him.

This is what we're doing on Sunday This is what we're doing on Sunday mornings. We don't gather here just to enjoy each We don't gather here just to enjoy each other, enjoy some coffee, enjoy a little other, enjoy some coffee, enjoy a little other, enjoy some coffee, enjoy a little God. We gather on the banks of the Red Sea We gather on the banks of the Red Sea to be thrilled together at the majesty to be thrilled together at the majesty to be thrilled together at the majesty of God to have the fear that's called of God to have the fear that's called of God to have the fear that's called faith. They feared the Lord and believed faith. They feared the Lord and believed faith. They feared the Lord and believed in him. The fear that goes with faith, in him. The fear that goes with faith, in him. The fear that goes with faith, the fear that then sings. the fear that then sings. the fear that then sings. Joy transforms fear and fear transforms Joy transforms fear and fear transforms Joy transforms fear and fear transforms joy. Joy makes fear pleasant joy. Joy makes fear pleasant joy. Joy makes fear pleasant and fear makes joy intense. [snorts] God made us to be thrilled at his God made us to be thrilled at his majesty. And his majesty is highly majesty. And his majesty is highly majesty. And his majesty is highly exalted when we are thrilled at the God exalted when we are thrilled at the God exalted when we are thrilled at the God of majesty. of majesty. of majesty. Here's another glimpse from chapter 15. Here's another glimpse from chapter 15. Here's another glimpse from chapter 15. This is verses 11 to13 of chapter 15. This is verses 11 to13 of chapter 15. This is verses 11 to13 of chapter 15. The people say they get the point.

The people say they get the point. The people say they get the point. They're saying, "Who [snorts] is like They're saying, "Who [snorts] is like They're saying, "Who [snorts] is like you, oh Lord, among the gods? Who is you, oh Lord, among the gods? Who is you, oh Lord, among the gods? Who is like you? Majestic in holiness, awesome like you? Majestic in holiness, awesome like you? Majestic in holiness, awesome in glorious deeds, doing wonders. in glorious deeds, doing wonders. in glorious deeds, doing wonders. You stretched out your right hand, the You stretched out your right hand, the You stretched out your right hand, the earth swallowed them. You have led in earth swallowed them. You have led in earth swallowed them. You have led in your steadfast love. your steadfast love. your steadfast love. This is the first mention of God's love This is the first mention of God's love This is the first mention of God's love in the Bible. in the Bible. in the Bible. I believe I think I'm right about that. I believe I think I'm right about that. I believe I think I'm right about that. I'll check on that. I think this is the I'll check on that. I think this is the I'll check on that. I think this is the first mention of his love for his people first mention of his love for his people first mention of his love for his people in the Bible. In this great revelation in the Bible. In this great revelation in the Bible. In this great revelation of his power, you have led in your of his power, you have led in your of his power, you have led in your steadfast love the people whom you have steadfast love the people whom you have steadfast love the people whom you have redeemed. You have guided them by your redeemed. You have guided them by your redeemed. You have guided them by your strength to your holy abode. And it's not just fear that sings, but And it's not just fear that sings, but dances with the body. dances with the body. dances with the body. To verse 20, Miriam the prophetus and To verse 20, Miriam the prophetus and To verse 20, Miriam the prophetus and sister of Aaron took a tambourine in her sister of Aaron took a tambourine in her sister of Aaron took a tambourine in her hand, and all the women went out after hand, and all the women went out after hand, and all the women went out after her with tambourines her with tambourines her with tambourines and dancing.

and dancing. and dancing. He didn't just sing and shut it down. He didn't just sing and shut it down. He didn't just sing and shut it down. move on. There's singing. There's a joy move on. There's singing. There's a joy move on. There's singing. There's a joy that informs life and our bodies and our that informs life and our bodies and our that informs life and our bodies and our Monday to Saturday. Monday to Saturday. Monday to Saturday. All right. Number four, final point. He invites others to join in. He invites others to join in. God invites others to join in the God invites others to join in the God invites others to join in the enjoyment, the praise of his majesty. enjoyment, the praise of his majesty. enjoyment, the praise of his majesty. In Exodus 14, it's too late for Pharaoh In Exodus 14, it's too late for Pharaoh In Exodus 14, it's too late for Pharaoh and the Egyptians. They've had plague and the Egyptians. They've had plague and the Egyptians. They've had plague after plague to repent. Their time's up. after plague to repent. Their time's up. after plague to repent. Their time's up. But now, because of this event, other But now, because of this event, other But now, because of this event, other nations are going to hear about it. Like nations are going to hear about it. Like nations are going to hear about it. Like the word's going out. This is going the word's going out. This is going the word's going out. This is going viral. What God did at the Red Sea. viral. What God did at the Red Sea. viral. What God did at the Red Sea. And when the other nations hear about And when the other nations hear about And when the other nations hear about this, they're going to tremble. this, they're going to tremble. this, they're going to tremble. Then the question is, will it be the Then the question is, will it be the Then the question is, will it be the trembling of terror or will it be a trembling of terror or will it be a trembling of terror or will it be a trembling that will lead to worship? trembling that will lead to worship? trembling that will lead to worship? That's the question. So here's verses 14 That's the question. So here's verses 14 That's the question. So here's verses 14 to 16 of chapter 15.

to 16 of chapter 15. to 16 of chapter 15. The peoples have heard. They tremble. The peoples have heard. They tremble. The peoples have heard. They tremble. Panges have seized the inhabitants of Panges have seized the inhabitants of Panges have seized the inhabitants of Felistia. Now are the chiefs of Edom Felistia. Now are the chiefs of Edom Felistia. Now are the chiefs of Edom dismayed. Trembling seizes the leaders dismayed. Trembling seizes the leaders dismayed. Trembling seizes the leaders of Moab. All the inhabitants of Canaan of Moab. All the inhabitants of Canaan of Moab. All the inhabitants of Canaan have melted away. Terror and dread fall have melted away. Terror and dread fall have melted away. Terror and dread fall upon them because of the greatness of upon them because of the greatness of upon them because of the greatness of your arm. For they are as still as your arm. For they are as still as your arm. For they are as still as stone. But the climactic show of great power But the climactic show of great power and of divine majesty and for inviting the nations to bow at and for inviting the nations to bow at this God. this God. this God. The greatest show of that is not the The greatest show of that is not the The greatest show of that is not the crossing of the Red Sea. crossing of the Red Sea. crossing of the Red Sea. That's not the fullest and final That's not the fullest and final That's not the fullest and final demonstration demonstration demonstration which the nations will hear about and be which the nations will hear about and be which the nations will hear about and be stunned and have the chance to either stunned and have the chance to either stunned and have the chance to either bow in praise bow in praise bow in praise or flee and be destroyed.

Did you notice that strange addition in Did you notice that strange addition in verse 31 of chapter 14, the last verse verse 31 of chapter 14, the last verse verse 31 of chapter 14, the last verse of chapter 14 of chapter 14 of chapter 14 that the people not only believed in God that the people not only believed in God that the people not only believed in God but in Moses? but in Moses? but in Moses? What's that? How did Moses get into this What's that? How did Moses get into this What's that? How did Moses get into this thing? The people feared the Lord and they The people feared the Lord and they believed in the Lord and in Moses his believed in the Lord and in Moses his believed in the Lord and in Moses his servant. So Moses is with God in verse servant. So Moses is with God in verse servant. So Moses is with God in verse 31 as the object of the people's faith. 31 as the object of the people's faith. 31 as the object of the people's faith. But then in the next verse, Moses But then in the next verse, Moses But then in the next verse, Moses appears again and now he's with the appears again and now he's with the appears again and now he's with the people. Now he's singing praise. people. Now he's singing praise. people. Now he's singing praise. Moses and the people of Israel sang. Moses is the covenant mediator. Moses is the covenant mediator. So he stands with the people as they So he stands with the people as they So he stands with the people as they feel thrilled in God and as they praise feel thrilled in God and as they praise feel thrilled in God and as they praise him, the God of majesty. And he stands him, the God of majesty. And he stands him, the God of majesty. And he stands with God with God with God as a recipient of the people's trust as a recipient of the people's trust as a recipient of the people's trust because of what God has done at the Red because of what God has done at the Red because of what God has done at the Red Sea.

Sea. Sea. And in the new covenant, And in the new covenant, And in the new covenant, we have a far greater mediator we have a far greater mediator we have a far greater mediator who stands with us as humans and who stands with us as humans and who stands with us as humans and experiences our thrills, our fearsome experiences our thrills, our fearsome experiences our thrills, our fearsome delight in his father and who stands delight in his father and who stands delight in his father and who stands with his father as fully God and is the with his father as fully God and is the with his father as fully God and is the focus of our faith. focus of our faith. focus of our faith. And this mediator, unlike Moses, did not And this mediator, unlike Moses, did not And this mediator, unlike Moses, did not stand safely on the seashore and watch stand safely on the seashore and watch stand safely on the seashore and watch it happen. Jesus went into the sea for us. Jesus went into the sea for us. He was shaken off to the bottom He was shaken off to the bottom He was shaken off to the bottom because we deserve to be shaken off to because we deserve to be shaken off to because we deserve to be shaken off to the bottom. the bottom. the bottom. It's God's grace that you're not shaken It's God's grace that you're not shaken It's God's grace that you're not shaken off to the bottom. off to the bottom. off to the bottom. But Jesus gave himself to be thrown into But Jesus gave himself to be thrown into But Jesus gave himself to be thrown into the depths of the sea that we might be the depths of the sea that we might be the depths of the sea that we might be spared the death we deserve.

The great majesty moment that Exodus 14 The great majesty moment that Exodus 14 and 15 anticipates and 15 anticipates and 15 anticipates is the cross and the resurrection. is the cross and the resurrection. is the cross and the resurrection. He goes to the bottom and he comes back He goes to the bottom and he comes back He goes to the bottom and he comes back up up up and even more majesty is seen and the and even more majesty is seen and the and even more majesty is seen and the message goes out to the nations. An message goes out to the nations. An message goes out to the nations. An invitation invitation invitation that you can come into utter safety with that you can come into utter safety with that you can come into utter safety with this God. We now know of a safety with this God. We now know of a safety with this God. We now know of a safety with more shity than the people of Israel more shity than the people of Israel more shity than the people of Israel knew as they sang in Exodus 15. We know knew as they sang in Exodus 15. We know knew as they sang in Exodus 15. We know how God's going to do it. Now, we can how God's going to do it. Now, we can how God's going to do it. Now, we can really have a fear that sings. really have a fear that sings. really have a fear that sings. So, So, So, final word to unbelievers this morning final word to unbelievers this morning final word to unbelievers this morning who have no fear of God. who have no fear of God. who have no fear of God. The unbelieving Egyptians didn't exhibit The unbelieving Egyptians didn't exhibit The unbelieving Egyptians didn't exhibit any fear until all of a sudden, in an any fear until all of a sudden, in an any fear until all of a sudden, in an instant, the pillar pivoted on them instant, the pillar pivoted on them instant, the pillar pivoted on them and they panicked.

and they panicked. and they panicked. And so it will be one day soon And so it will be one day soon And so it will be one day soon for all who have set themselves against for all who have set themselves against for all who have set themselves against the God of majesty. They will fear. They the God of majesty. They will fear. They the God of majesty. They will fear. They will panic. They will experience an will panic. They will experience an will panic. They will experience an unparalleled terror unparalleled terror unparalleled terror in the face of Almighty God. On that in the face of Almighty God. On that in the face of Almighty God. On that day, you don't want to be against this day, you don't want to be against this day, you don't want to be against this God. when he looks down on you. God. when he looks down on you. God. when he looks down on you. At that moment, it's going to be too At that moment, it's going to be too At that moment, it's going to be too late. late. late. But now you have a moment with the But now you have a moment with the But now you have a moment with the nations who heard the message. They nations who heard the message. They nations who heard the message. They heard the message. They had a moment. heard the message. They had a moment. heard the message. They had a moment. You have a moment You have a moment You have a moment right now. This is your time to repent. right now. This is your time to repent. right now. This is your time to repent. It's your time to experience the fear It's your time to experience the fear It's your time to experience the fear that sings that sings that sings so that you don't experience the fear so that you don't experience the fear so that you don't experience the fear that panics in the end. And to those this morning who claim the And to those this morning who claim the name of Jesus and yet you find name of Jesus and yet you find name of Jesus and yet you find yourselves just dogged by fear.

yourselves just dogged by fear. yourselves just dogged by fear. You don't have a fearsome joy. It's not You don't have a fearsome joy. It's not You don't have a fearsome joy. It's not an awe. an awe. an awe. I have such good news for you. I have such good news for you. I have such good news for you. You're so close. You're so close. You're so close. The answer isn't to have no fear of God. The answer isn't to have no fear of God. The answer isn't to have no fear of God. The answer is he wants to add joy to The answer is he wants to add joy to The answer is he wants to add joy to your fear with the work of Christ. He your fear with the work of Christ. He your fear with the work of Christ. He wants to transform that fear with joy. He means for you to fear him. He means for you to fear him. And he wants you to stand in awe of his And he wants you to stand in awe of his And he wants you to stand in awe of his great power and in Jesus Christ who went great power and in Jesus Christ who went great power and in Jesus Christ who went to the bottom and came back up that you to the bottom and came back up that you to the bottom and came back up that you would feel utterly safe. That joy would make your fear pleasant. That joy would make your fear pleasant. And to the rest of us, And to the rest of us, And to the rest of us, let holy fear make your joy more let holy fear make your joy more let holy fear make your joy more intense.

I pray that you would not have a thin I pray that you would not have a thin joy in a small God, joy in a small God, joy in a small God, but that you would have a great joy in but that you would have a great joy in but that you would have a great joy in the God of majesty. the God of majesty. the God of majesty. That word majesty is it's so perfect for That word majesty is it's so perfect for That word majesty is it's so perfect for worship. You can notice this. Now, in worship. You can notice this. Now, in worship. You can notice this. Now, in these songs, we often employ the word these songs, we often employ the word these songs, we often employ the word majesty. Majesty Majesty comes from a fear that sings. When God's comes from a fear that sings. When God's comes from a fear that sings. When God's people have a holy fear and awe of his people have a holy fear and awe of his people have a holy fear and awe of his greatness, we say, "Majesty, majesty." greatness, we say, "Majesty, majesty." greatness, we say, "Majesty, majesty." That goes back to Exodus 15. That goes back to Exodus 15. That goes back to Exodus 15. You see, the choice of the word majesty You see, the choice of the word majesty You see, the choice of the word majesty says something about the worshipper. says something about the worshipper. says something about the worshipper. Majesty attributes not only greatness Majesty attributes not only greatness Majesty attributes not only greatness and power and glory to God but signals and power and glory to God but signals and power and glory to God but signals an awe and a wonder in the person who an awe and a wonder in the person who an awe and a wonder in the person who says it. God's friends declare his says it. God's friends declare his says it. God's friends declare his majesty, not his foes.

majesty, not his foes. majesty, not his foes. The Egyptians don't say majesty. The Egyptians don't say majesty. The Egyptians don't say majesty. The Egyptians say The Egyptians say The Egyptians say terror, horror. terror, horror. terror, horror. But in the eyes of Israel, in the eyes But in the eyes of Israel, in the eyes But in the eyes of Israel, in the eyes of his people, in the eyes of those who of his people, in the eyes of those who of his people, in the eyes of those who know themselves protected by his power know themselves protected by his power know themselves protected by his power and safe in him, they worship his and safe in him, they worship his and safe in him, they worship his majesty. majesty. majesty. So brothers and sisters, as we gather on So brothers and sisters, as we gather on So brothers and sisters, as we gather on Sunday mornings, Sunday mornings, Sunday mornings, we're not playing games. we're not playing games. we're not playing games. This is not another social event. This is not another social event. This is not another social event. We gather We gather We gather to share in the fear that sings to share in the fear that sings to share in the fear that sings that we might dance the Christian life that we might dance the Christian life that we might dance the Christian life from Monday to Saturday. We come to have from Monday to Saturday. We come to have from Monday to Saturday. We come to have our hearts thrilled with the one who our hearts thrilled with the one who our hearts thrilled with the one who puts all the cheap imitation thrills of puts all the cheap imitation thrills of puts all the cheap imitation thrills of our life into their proper place. our life into their proper place. our life into their proper place. We come to worship his majesty. We come We come to worship his majesty. We come We come to worship his majesty. We come to worship to worship to worship not only on the banks of the Red Sea.

not only on the banks of the Red Sea. not only on the banks of the Red Sea. We come to worship at the foot of the We come to worship at the foot of the We come to worship at the foot of the cross and by the empty tomb which is cross and by the empty tomb which is cross and by the empty tomb which is even far greater than the banks of the even far greater than the banks of the even far greater than the banks of the Red Sea. Red Sea. Red Sea. Let's pray. Let's pray. Let's pray. So, Father in heaven, So, Father in heaven, So, Father in heaven, we want to thank you now for Jesus. We we want to thank you now for Jesus. We we want to thank you now for Jesus. We want to declare his majesty want to declare his majesty want to declare his majesty as the king of kings. We have seen in as the king of kings. We have seen in as the king of kings. We have seen in him an even greater him an even greater him an even greater majesty than your people Israel saw at majesty than your people Israel saw at majesty than your people Israel saw at the Red Sea. So, Father in heaven, would the Red Sea. So, Father in heaven, would the Red Sea. So, Father in heaven, would you be pleased for those who experience you be pleased for those who experience you be pleased for those who experience a fear without deep joy and safety to a fear without deep joy and safety to a fear without deep joy and safety to grant that even this morning in resting grant that even this morning in resting grant that even this morning in resting in Jesus? And father, for those who have in Jesus? And father, for those who have in Jesus? And father, for those who have such a small view of you and because of such a small view of you and because of such a small view of you and because of it have small joy, I pray that your it have small joy, I pray that your it have small joy, I pray that your great power would break in upon us. great power would break in upon us. great power would break in upon us. Would you give us the holy fear that Would you give us the holy fear that Would you give us the holy fear that intensifies our joy and do so even now intensifies our joy and do so even now intensifies our joy and do so even now as we praise the majesty of your son as we praise the majesty of your son as we praise the majesty of your son in Jesus name we pray. Amen.