Article September 3, 1949 Issue

"STAND STILL....GO FORWARD"

JESSIE B. MOTTEN

In the fourteenth chapter of Exodus one of the most dramatic incidents in the history of the Israelites is recorded. Because of its practical application to the problems of today, it deserves thoughtful consideration. Under Moses' leadership the children of Israel had escaped from bondage in Egypt and were being led towards the promised land of Canaan. However, between them and their goal lay the Red Sea and the wilderness. Then, as if to complete the dilemma, when they looked back they saw that they were being pursued by their old taskmasters, the Egyptians.

It was a tense moment in which the people cried out to Moses, "Is not this the word that we did tell thee in Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians?" But Moses showed himself an inspired leader. He did not hesitate, but spoke to them decisively: "Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever." Then Moses heard God's direction, "Speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward." Obeying that command, the people advanced, went through the midst of the Red Sea on dry ground, and achieved complete deliverance from their pursuers.

Have we not all found ourselves at times in situations from which human wisdom and ingenuity could offer no escape? What a blessing it is to learn from the teachings of Christian Science that such a situation is not hopeless, for there is always a way of escape, because with God all good is possible and in fact is already at hand. Man as God's offspring is the perpetual recipient of His omnipotent care. These great spiritual facts, however', must be demonstrated by each of us, and it is helpful to recall the successive steps which, under Moses' leadership, led the children of Israel to victory in the experience just cited. Briefly these steps were: renunciation of a longing for the past, waiting on God for direction, and obedient progress when the direction was given.

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