The other day I was studying in the book of Isaiah and read a verse talking about when the Israelites crossed the Red Sea. For those who are unfamiliar with this, Moses was an ancient prophet called of God to lead the Israelites out of slavery under the Egyptians to Israel--their promised land. As part of their escape, they needed to cross the Red Sea swiftly to avoid capture by the Egyptians. God inspired Moses to stretch his hands out and part the Red Sea by God's power so that a path appeared between two walls of water, by which the Israelites could safely, and drily cross (see Ch. 14 of Exodus).
As I sat thinking, I thought of how much powerful symbolism there is in this miracle. The Israelites were just beginning their journey of growing to truly follow God. The first ordinance in following God is baptism. Because the Israelites passed through water at the beginning of their journey to the promised land (symbolic of a journey to God/Heaven) we can see this as a symbolic baptism. Baptism is a rebirth--a cleansing of sin and a commitment to follow God. Paul talks about this in 1 Corinthians 10 when he says, "...all our fathers...all passed through the sea; And were all baptized...in the sea." (verses 1-2). Speaking of being born again, a Book of Mormon prophet--Alma--writes, "And the Lord said unto me: Marvel not that all mankind, yea, men and women, all nations, kindreds, tongues and people, must be born again; yea, born of God, changed from their carnal and fallen state, to a state of righteousness, being redeemed of God, becoming his sons and his daughters;" (Mosiah 27:25).
So, the passing of the Red Sea was like a symbolic baptism. I also find it interesting that the path across the sea was a narrow path created of God--the only path to safety. This is like the strait and narrow path Christ often teaches of ("...strait is the gate and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life..." - Matthew 7:14). Christ has created the path for all of us to follow, baptism is a part of it, and trusting Him--having faith--is also key. I'm sure it must have been very scary to walk along a narrow path walled with waves of the sea. And yet the people were safe. Christ creates a path for us all to pass safely through any stormy seas of life--but the path is specific and we have to stay on it to be safe and to get to the right place--eternal life with God and our families in Heaven.
Another interesting thing to me is that after the crossing of the sea the Israelites' journey was not over. They then began a long time of having their faith tested and of learning to follow the Lord as they traveled many years in the wilderness, relying on God and moving toward the promised land. This is just like our life. Baptism and faith begin us on the narrow path, but the path is long because it is a journey meant to change and prepare us to be worthy of the promised land at the end. We have a wilderness of learning and trials to go through, but as with the Israelites, God will be with us and even bring us sweet manna when we think there is no food in sight.
Now I have to go to work! I think I'll come back to this and write a bit more later though :) Thanks for reading! I'd love to hear your thoughts! Love, Sierra
Ok, here is one more thing I wanted to add. This is one of my favorite verses from the Book of Mormon and I feel it provides a great conclusion to this thought (or, rather, a beginning?).
"And now, my beloved brethren, after ye have gotten into this strait and narrow path, I would ask if all is done? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; for ye have not come thus far save it were by the word of Christ with unshaken faith in him, relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save.
Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life." (2 Nephi 31:19-20)
There was a regional conference in Utah County last month. Sister Beck was one of the speaker. She said that we were promised a tough life to improve ourselves and to learn. We should be aware of that we were doing better than we might thought; and, we could certainly do better.
ReplyDeleteThese two ideas were with me since then. Every time I read the old testament stuff, it just reminded me that our lives are so easy compare to those who lived before; and, our faith were probably far weaker than theirs as well. Therefore, we often think miracle as some odd things in our lives. That's not true though. You know, it is even a miracle that we can talk through same language :)
Indeed, as sister Beck said, we did better than lots of people in this world, and, we could absolutely do better. One way I could think of is just pursuiting a tougher (more chanllenging) life and taking more responsbilities to help others.
People always think escaping to Egypt was a easier way for the Israel; however, I guess the easier way is probably staying there being killed or enslaved. Most times in our life, living requires more faith than dying.
I am probably going too far away from what you were talking about :p sorry~~but, it was great to read from you again. Happy Tuesday!
Xiaoxiao
I actually am rather impressed. I've never thought of it that, nor I have stopped to notice those words of Paul though I know I read them. This is absolutely true, this miracle would essentially mark the beginning of Israel's journey towards sanctification. Yet, sadly we see what turn this journey would take for Israel. We realize that this great miracle was only the beginning,and Israel even managed to forget it's true importance. How true is that of baptism in our own lives? It is a miraculous ordinance that begins us on the life long journey of sanctification. Through it we also receive the Lord's constant presence on our life's journey. After this great miracle the Lord always tried to be present with Israel, through Moses and the great wonders they would be show so often on their journey to the promised land. Still they rejected it and question is do we? Do we take is constant presence through miracles, prophets, and the whisperings of the spirit for granted as well? This was great it was quite an eye opener for me.
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