The Exodus to the Promised Land

Introduction (The Red Sea Crossing)

Facilitator: Let the congregation experience the Exodus by portraying the scene. Divide them
into companies.

Narration: With their loins girt, with sandaled feet, and staff in hand, the people of Israel had
stood, hushed, awed, yet expectant, awaiting the royal mandate that should bid them go forth.
Before the morning broke, they were on their way. During the plagues, as the manifestation of
God's power had kindled faith in the hearts of the bondmen and had struck terror to their
oppressors, the Israelites had gradually assembled themselves in Goshen; and notwithstanding
the suddenness of their flight, some provision had already been made for the necessary
organization and control of the moving multitudes, they being divided into companies, under
appointed leaders (team facilitator)

And they went out, “about six hundred thousand on foot that were men, beside
children. And a mixed multitude went up also with them.” In this multitude were not only
those who were actuated by faith in the God of Israel, but also a far greater number who
desired only to escape from the plagues, or who followed in the wake of the moving
multitudes merely from excitement and curiosity.

The people took also with them “flocks, and herds, even very much cattle.” Instead of
pursuing the direct route to Canaan, which lay through the country of the Philistines, the Lord
directed their course southward, toward the shores of the Red Sea. Across a dreary, desertlike
expanse they journeyed. Already they began to wonder whether their course would lead; they
were becoming weary with the toilsome way, and in some hearts began to arise a fear of
pursuit by the Egyptians. But the cloud went forward, and they followed. And now the Lord
directed Moses to turn aside into a rocky defile, and encamp beside the sea. It was revealed to
him that Pharaoh would pursue them, but that God would be honored in their deliverance.

The Hebrews were encamped beside the sea, whose waters presented a seemingly
impassable barrier before them, while on the south a rugged mountain obstructed their further
progress. Suddenly they beheld in the distance the flashing armor and moving chariots
betokening the advance guard of a great army. As the force drew nearer, the hosts of Egypt
were seen in full pursuit. Terror filled the hearts of Israel. Some cried unto the Lord, but far the
greater part hastened to Moses with their complaints: “Because there were no graves in Egypt,
hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness? Wherefore hast thou dealt thus with us, to
carry us forth out of Egypt? Is not this the word that we did tell thee in Egypt, saying, Let us
alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For it had been better for us to serve the Egyptians,
than that we should die in the wilderness.”

Moses was greatly troubled that his people should manifest so little faith in God,
notwithstanding they had repeatedly witnessed the manifestation of His power in their behalf.
How could they charge upon him the dangers and difficulties of their situation, when he had
followed the express command of God? True, there was no possibility of deliverance unless
God Himself should interpose for their release; but having been brought into this position in
obedience to the divine direction, Moses felt no fear of the consequences. His calm and
assuring reply to the people was, “Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord,
which He will show to you today: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen today, ye shall see them
again no more forever. The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.”

As the Egyptian host approached them, expecting to make them an easy prey, the
cloudy column rose majestically into the heavens, passed over the Israelites, and descended
between them and the armies of Egypt. A wall of darkness interposed between the pursued
and their pursuers. The Egyptians could no longer discern the camp of the Hebrews, and were
forced to halt. But as the darkness of night deepened, the wall of cloud became a great light to
the Hebrews, flooding the entire encampment with the radiance of day.

Then hope returned to the hearts of Israel. And Moses lifted up his voice unto the Lord.
“And the Lord said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto Me? speak unto the children of
Israel, that they go forward. But lift thou up thy rod, and stretch out thine hand over the sea,
and divide it: and the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea.”

The psalmist, describing the passage of the sea by Israel, sang, “Thy way was in the sea,
and Thy paths in the great waters, and Thy footsteps were not known. Thou leddest Thy people
like a flock, by the hand of Moses and Aaron.” Psalm 77:19, 20. As Moses stretched out his rod
the waters parted, and Israel went into the midst of the sea, upon dry ground, while the waters
stood like a wall upon each side. The light from God's pillar of fire shone upon the foam-capped
billows, and lighted the road that was cut like a mighty furrow through the waters of the sea,
and was lost in the obscurity of the farther shore.

God in His providence brought the Hebrews into the mountain fastnesses before the
sea, that He might manifest His power in their deliverance and signally humble the pride of
their oppressors. He might have saved them in any other way, but He chose this method in
order to test their faith and strengthen their trust in Him. The people were weary and terrified,
yet if they had held back when Moses bade them advance, God would never have opened the
path for them. It was “by faith” that “they passed through the Red Sea as by dry land.” Hebrews
11:29. In marching down to the very water, they showed that they believed the word of God as
spoken by Moses. They did all that was in their power to do, and then the Mighty One of Israel
divided the sea to make a path for their feet.

The great lesson here taught is for all time. Often the Christian life is beset by dangers,
and duty seems hard to perform. The imagination pictures impending ruin before and
bondage or death behind. Yet the voice of God speaks clearly, “Go forward.” We should obey
this command, even though our eyes cannot penetrate the darkness, and we feel the cold
waves about our feet. The obstacles that hinder our progress will never disappear before a
halting, doubting spirit. Those who defer obedience till every shadow of uncertainty
disappears and there remains no risk of failure or defeat, will never obey at all. Unbelief
whispers, “Let us wait till the obstructions are removed, and we can see our way clearly;” but
faith courageously urges an advance, hoping all things, believing all things.

The cloud that was a wall of darkness to the Egyptians was to the Hebrews a great flood
of light, illuminating the whole camp, and shedding brightness upon the path before them. So
the dealings of Providence bring to the unbelieving, darkness and despair, while to the trusting
soul they are full of light and peace. The path where God leads the way may lie through the
desert or the sea, but it is a safe path.

Facilitator: Instruct about the Prayer walk. (Further instructions will be given by the team
facilitators)

Prayer Walk
Facilitators: Pray with your group before you go through the readings. You may want to sing a
song before and after the discussion or while walking to the next station

1. Bitter Water Made Sweet

We are in a world of suffering. Difficulty, trial, and sorrow await us all along the way to
the heavenly home. But there are many who make life's burdens doubly heavy by continually
anticipating trouble. If they meet with adversity or disappointment they think that everything is
going to ruin, that theirs is the hardest lot of all, that they are surely coming to want. Thus they
bring wretchedness upon themselves and cast a shadow upon all around them. Life itself
becomes a burden to them.

Thought Question: Was there a time in your life that you are filled with bitterness? Or do you
have that feeling of bitterness towards someone?
Prayer (Individual): Pray that God will turn your bitterness into an attitude of cheerfulness. If
you are bitter with someone, pray that God will change your heart towards that person.

For ever y trial, God has provided help. When Israel in the desert came to the bitter
waters of Marah, Moses cried unto the Lord. The Lord did not provide some new remedy; He
called attention to that which was at hand. A shrub which He had created was to be cast into
the fountain to make the water pure and sweet. When this was done, the people drank of the
water and were refreshed. In every trial, if we seek Him, Christ will give us help. Our eyes will be
opened to discern the healing promises recorded in His word. The Holy Spirit will teach us how
to appropriate every blessing that will be an antidote to grief. For every bitter draft that is
placed to our lips, we shall find a branch of healing.

We are not to let the future, with its hard problems, its unsatisfying prospects, make our hearts
faint, our knees tremble, our hands hang down. “Let him take hold of My strength,” says the
Mighty One, “that he may make peace with Me; and he shall make peace with Me.” Isaiah 27:5.
Those who surrender their lives to His guidance and to His service will never be placed in a
position for which He has not made provision. Whatever our situation, if we are doers of His
word, we have a Guide to direct our way; whatever our perplexity, we have a sure Counselor;
whatever our sorrow, bereavement, or loneliness, we have a sympathizing Friend.

Prayer (Group): Pray in connection with passage being read.

Challenge each one to choose to be cheerful instead of being bitter.

2. Bread from Heaven

In the wilderness, when all means of sustenance failed, God sent His people manna from
heaven; and a sufficient and constant supply was given. This provision was to teach them that
while they trusted in God and walked in His ways, He would not forsake them. The Saviour now
practiced the lesson He had taught to Israel. By the word of God succor had been given to the
Hebrew host, and by the same word it would be given to Jesus. He awaited God's time to bring
relief. He was in the wilderness in obedience to God, and He would not obtain food by following
the suggestions of Satan. In the presence of the witnessing universe, He testified that it is a
lesser calamity to suffer whatever may befall than to depart in any manner from the will of
God.—Manuscript 113, 1902.

Thought Question: Was there a time in your life that you did not rely on God's Word or you
departed from His will?

Prayer (By twos): Pray for each other to have a trusting relationship with Lord.
 Christ said to the tempter, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that
proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” He has given us no promise of help in bearing today the
burdens of tomorrow. He has said, “My grace is sufficient for thee” (2 Corinthians 12:9); but,
like the manna given in the wilderness, His grace is bestowed daily, for the day's need. Like the
hosts of Israel in their pilgrim life, we may find morning by morning the bread of heaven for the
day's supply.

Prayer (Group): Pray about the passage being read.

Challenge each one to feed on God’s word and trust His power
to supply his/her daily needs.

3. Water from the Rock

Notwithstanding the fact that Moses was the meekest man that lived upon the earth, on
one occasion he drew the displeasure of God upon himself. He was harassed greatly by the
murmuring of the children of Israel for water. The undeserved reproaches of the people which
fell upon him led him for a moment to forget that their murmuring was not against him, but
against God; and instead of being grieved because the Spirit of God was insulted, he became
irritated, offended, and in a self-willed, impatient manner struck the rock twice saying: Moses
revealed great weakness before the people. He showed a marked lack of self-control, a spirit
similar to that possessed by the murmurers. He should have been an example of forbearance
and patience before that multitude, who were ready to excuse their failures, disaffections, and
unreasonable murmurings, on account of this exhibition of wrong on his part. The greatest sin
consisted in assuming to take the place of God. The position of honor that Moses had
heretofore occupied did not lessen his guilt, but greatly magnified it. Here was a man hitherto
blameless, now fallen. Many in a similar position would reason that their sin would be
overlooked because of their long life of unwavering fidelity. But no; it was a more serious
matter for a man who had been honored of God to show weakness of character in the
exhibition of passion than if he had occupied a less responsible position.

Thought Question: Was there a time in your life that you became the leader (if not, a
member) of a group and you murmured because things didn’t turn out the way you want it to
be?

Prayer (Individual): Pray that God will make you a good example to the people around you by
choosing to say kind words even in the midst of unlikely situations.

We are closely to examine ourselves.... We should plead with God for spiritual eyesight,
that we may discern our mistakes and understand our defection of character. If we have been
critical and condemnatory, full of faultfinding, talking doubt and darkness, we have a work of
repentance and reformation to do. We are to walk in the light, speaking words that will bring
peace and happiness. Jesus is to abide in the soul. And where He is, instead of gloom,
murmuring, and repining, there will be fragrance of character.—The Review and Herald, June
12, 1894.

Our Lord does not tell us there are no dangers in our path, but He points us to a never-
failing refuge. He invites the weary and care-laden, “Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are
heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Lay off the yoke of anxiety and care that you have placed
on your own neck, and “take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in
heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” Matthew 11:28, 29. Instead of murmuring and
complaining, the language of our hearts should be, “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all
His benefits.” Psalm 103:2.

Prayer (Group): Pray about the passage being read.

Challenge each one to practice saying kind words when prompted to murmur.

Closing (The Jordan River Crossing)

“Arise,” had been the first message of God to Joshua, “go over this Jordan, thou, and all
this people, unto the land which I do give to them.” Joshua knew that whatever God should
command, He would make a way for His people to perform. In this faith the intrepid leader at
once began arrangements for an advance.

Orders were now issued to make ready for an advance. The people were to prepare a
three-day’ supply of food, and the army was to be put in readiness for battle. Leaving their
encampment, the host descended to the border of the Jordan. All knew that without divine aid
they could not hope to make the passage. At this time of year the melting snows of the
mountains so raised the Jordan that the river overflowed, making it impossible to cross. God
willed that the passage over Jordan should be miraculous.

Joshua, by divine direction, commanded the people to put away their sins and free
themselves from all outward impurity, “for tomorrow,” he said, “the Lord will do wonders
among you.” The “ark of the covenant” was to lead the way, borne by the priests from its place
in the center of the camp, toward the river. “Hereby ye shall know that the living God is among
you, and that He will without fail drive out from before you the Canaanites.... Behold, the ark of
the covenant of the Lord of all the earth passeth over before you into Jordan.”

At the appointed time the onward movement began, the ark, borne upon the shoulders
of the priests, leading. There was a vacant space of more than half a mile about the ark. All
watched with deep interest as the priests advanced down the bank of the Jordan. They saw the
sacred ark move steadily toward the surging stream, till the feet of the bearers were dipped
into the waters. Then suddenly the tide above was swept back, while the current below flowed
on, and the bed of the river was laid bare.

The priests advanced to the middle of the channel and stood there while the entire host
descended and crossed to the farther side. The power that stayed the waters of Jordan was the
same that had opened the Red Sea to their fathers forty years before. When the people had all
passed over, the ark itself was borne to the western shore. No sooner had “the soles of the
priests’ feet ... lifted up unto the dry land” than the imprisoned waters rushed down, a
resistless flood, in the natural channel of the stream.

While the priests bearing the ark were still in the midst of Jordan, twelve men, one from
each tribe, took up each a stone from the riverbed where the priests were standing and carried
them over to the western side. These stones were to be set up as a monument in the first
camping place beyond the river, as Joshua said, “That all the people of the earth might know
the hand of the Lord, that it is mighty: that ye might fear the Lord your God forever.”

This miracle was an assurance to Israel of God's continued presence and protection, an
evidence that He would work for them through Joshua as He had wrought through Moses. The
Lord had declared to Joshua before the crossing, “This day will I begin to magnify thee in the
sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee.”

When the tidings that God had stayed the waters of Jordan before the children of Israel
reached the kings of the Amorites and Canaanites, their hearts melted with fear. To the
Canaanites, to all Israel, and to Joshua himself, unmistakable evidence had been given that the
living God, the King of heaven and earth, was among His people. He would not fail them nor
forsake them.

The long years of their desert wanderings were ended. The feet of Israel were at last
treading the Promised Land.

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