At their most desperate hour, sandwiched between two ways to
die, the Israelites accuse Moses of delivering them to their demise. In turn, Moses tells them to wait for
help. “YHVH will battle for you. Hold your peace!” (Exodus 14:14). God’s astounding answer? “Why do you cry out to Me?” (Exodus 14:15).
It’s a very human pattern:
we take credit for what’s good in our lives, and blame others (including
God) for what’s wrong. When we’re
healthy, it’s because we’ve taken care of ourselves. When we’re sick, we ask “why did God do this
to me?” When we get a great job, it’s
because we are talented and prepared.
When we get fired, it’s because our boss always had it out for us. When we get a date, it’s because we’re
handsome, interesting, or “in a good place.”
When we get dumped, it’s because “they were a jerk.” Doing so preserves our egos. It also maintains our vision of an ordered
universe, where things happen for a reason and everyone gets what they deserve. Both mental structures help us function in
the world, even if they are inaccurate.
The Israelites blame Moses; Moses awaits God. God requires, instead, that they take
responsibility for their own situation (“tell the Israelites to go forward”)
and claim their own power (“lift up your rod and hold out your arm over the sea
and split it”) [14:15-16].
You are a Child of God, a worthy creature. Claim your own power, instead of giving it
away to other people and forces. Claim
your power to improve your life -- and also to damage it. Others can undoubtedly impact us but we, more
than anyone else, are responsible for what happens in our own lives. Walk into the water. Raise your staff. Make your move.
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