Justin Houtz

Exodus 14, Luke 20

DateVersionReading Plan
March 5, 2025ESV (2016)OT/NT Plan 2025 – 2027

Exodus 14

Observation

Exod. 14:3-4 – The LORD instructed Moses to tell the people how to camp and that He would harden Pharaoh’s heart to pursue them. The LORD gave reasoning for the hardening and subsequent pursuit in that it would be so that He would get glory over Pharaoh and all his host. While we tend to think of conflict-avoidance as the best course in any given situation, the LORD possesses a much larger perspective. Able to see the end from the beginning, the LORD knows the outcome and the exact means to use that will result in His glory being magnified.

Exod. 14:8 – It is described that the people were going out “defiantly”. The CSB Notes speaks of how this “gives a glimpse into the Israelites’ frame of mind (Nm 33:3). Having been urged to leave Egypt, they had received valuables to take with them, and they were gladly going; they had no reason to look over their shoulders in fear.”

Exod. 14:12 – The people were already grumbling by this point, saying that they had told Moses to leave them alone in Egypt that they may serve the Egyptians. “Their assessment gave no thought to any third option besides death or servitude in Egypt. By not considering the Lord’s involvement, the Israelites resembled faithless Pharaoh.”

Exod. 14:13-14 – In sharp retort, Moses told the people to “fear not” and see the salvation of the LORD, that He would fight for them and they need only be silent. Moses modeled and expressed great faith in resting on the LORD’s deliverance as well as leadership in conveying this necessary sentiment to the people.

Exod. 14:19-20 – Both the angel of the LORD and the pillar of cloud moved to be behind the Israelites. The move was to provide divine protection and “to prevent a clash between the Egyptians and the Israelite forces.” (CSB Notes)

Exod. 14:30-31 – After the waters returned and covered Pharaoh and his host, the people saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore and the LORD’s great power, responding with belief in the LORD and His servant Moses.

Application

God’s complete sovereignty over the events of the Red Sea crossing cannot be overstated. He knew all that would take place—precisely how it was to unfold—and, ultimately, how He would receive the glory. The LORD fought for the people and their only responsibility was to be silent and receive rescue. As we encounter trials in this life, we must be reminded that the battle belongs to the LORD and He is ever gracious to deliver. How heartening then become the words of Moses as he spoke them to God’s people: “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD.” (Exod. 14:13a).

Luke 20

Observation

Luke 20:17-18 – Directly following His teaching of the parable of the wicked tenants, Jesus quoted Ps. 118:22 in saying, “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone” and that everyone who falls on the stone would be broken to pieces. This seems curious until you understand the context. The tenants who killed the vineyard owner’s son were themselves killed by the owner and then the vineyard given to others. Thus, when Jesus spoke of being broken to pieces over the stone, “This meant that the Christ rejecting Jews would be destroyed, and that God would take others into the place of privilege. The ‘others’ may refer to the Gentiles or to regenerated Israel of the last days.”

Luke 20:35-36 – Jesus spoke of those “who are worthy to attain to that age and to the resurrection” (Luke 20:35) and that they “are equal to angels and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection.” (Luke 20:36). Regarding the former, the BBC points out that this “does not suggest that any people are personally worthy of heaven: the only worthiness sinners can have is the worthiness of the Lord Jesus Christ.” As to the latter—the being equal angels and sons of the resurrection—the BBC continues in saying, “Believers are sons of God already, but not to outward observance. In heaven, they will be visibly manifested as sons of God. The fact that they participated in the First Resurrection insures this.”

Application

It is helpful to consider further the understanding of Jesus as the Cornerstone. He is the only Stone upon which a strong foundation can be built. Without Him properly placed as the starting point of all faith and life, there will be uncertainty and instability. Things may seem to go well for a time—even for many years—but there will eventually come a crumbling. May we then see the feebleness and unworthiness of anything else taking the helm of our lives and place our faith solely and completely in Jesus.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You that You are faithful to deliver Your children from every affliction and that all is purposed to showcase Your wondrous glory. Help me to rest in silence as You fight for me, trusting in Your ultimate victory and that I may see the salvation of the LORD. Father, thank You for Your Son who is the Cornerstone of my life.

Resources