Article August 10, 1968 Issue

No Reversal

GARDNER L. TURNER

In the process of overcoming a problem through Christian Science treatment, one may occasionally experience apparent release from the particular difficulty only to find that his freedom is later challenged by a reappearance of the disturbing situation. Whether this reappearance is called a reversal, a relapse, or a recurrence, one is reminded of the experience of the children of Israel in escaping from the bondage of the Egyptian Pharaoh. We read in the Old Testament that Pharaoh gave his consent to the freeing of the Israelites but then quickly changed his decision and hurried after them with his army in an effort to recapture them.

So great was the horde of six hundred chariots and the frightening rumble of pursuit that the children of Israel completely lost courage to proclaim their freedom. They indicated to Moses a desire to return to the captivity of the Egyptians. But Moses, trusting in the protecting and guiding power of God, was able to say to his followers with complete assurance, "Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will shew to you to day."^{Ex. 14:13;} And knowing the complete powerlessness of any material force to reverse the stand for freedom he had taken under God, he added: "For the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever. The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace."

Then, although the army of Pharaoh was overtaking his band from the rear and the Red Sea was forming a barrier to his company in front, Moses at God's command led the people forward, the only possible direction for continued progress out of slavery. Upon Moses' decision to go forward the sea parted, and the Israelites made their way safely to the other side.

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