SERMON: Backs Against The Wall Sermon Notes
Reading: Exodus 14
In Exodus 14, we find the Hebrew people in the middle of their great escape from Egypt. After generations of slavery, they’ve just celebrated the first Passover and left under God’s direction. They’re finally on their way to freedom.
But freedom doesn’t come easy.
God leads them straight to the shores of the Red Sea—and right behind them, Pharaoh has had a change of heart. His army is bearing down fast, ready to drag them back into bondage. Imagine the panic: a vast sea ahead, chariots behind, and nowhere to go. They are, quite literally, trapped.
Can you blame them for being afraid? For wondering if they made the right choice? “Maybe we should have stayed in Egypt,” they said. “At least there we knew what to expect.”
And isn’t that just like us sometimes? When things get hard, we start to second-guess the very steps we took in obedience. We question if following God was the right move.
But what does Moses do in this moment of fear and uncertainty?
What do you do when you’re trapped between a sea and an enemy?
Moses turns to the people and says:
“Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”
(Exodus 14:13–14)
The NRSVue puts it this way: “You have only to keep still.”
Be still. Wait on God.
That’s faith when you’re out of options. Moses didn’t panic; he pointed people back to God’s promise.
And then God speaks. He tells Moses, “Move forward.”
God commands Moses to stretch out his staff, and in one of the most breathtaking moments in all of scripture—God parts the Red Sea.
Can you imagine the wind roaring, the waters rising, and dry ground appearing? I’d probably pass out! But there’s more. As the people begin to move forward, the angel of God who had been leading them shifts positions—and moves behind them.
A pillar of cloud and fire stands between Israel and Pharaoh’s army, holding them off. All night long, that pillar protects God’s people while they cross safely through the sea.
And once they’re across, God tells Moses to stretch out his hand again. The waters crash back, swallowing the Egyptian army. What once blocked their freedom becomes the very place of their deliverance.
🔥 Here’s What We Learn From This Chapter:
1) God Goes Before You
“For you shall not go out in haste… for the Lord will go before you…” – Isaiah 52:12a
Even when the road ahead looks uncertain, God is already there. He prepares the way. He is not surprised by our challenges—He sees what’s coming before we ever get there. He knew you before you were formed. He walks ahead to guide your steps.
When you’re walking into unknown territory—new jobs, scary diagnoses, broken relationships—God goes before you.
2) God Comes Behind You
“…and the God of Israel will be your rear guard.” – Isaiah 52:12b
In ancient times, the rear guard protected the back of an army. They made sure no one was ambushed, no stragglers were left behind, and the vulnerable were shielded.
So when God says He is your rear guard, He’s saying:
- Nothing will sneak up on you.
- Your past won’t drag you back.
- The pain and fear behind you don’t get the final say.
- He’s got your six.
At the Red Sea, God didn’t just part the waters—He stood between them and what was chasing them. That’s our God. He fights for us on both fronts.
✝️ For Us Today
This story isn’t just ancient history—it’s a living promise.
When you feel cornered—God makes a way.
When your past tries to overtake you—God stands guard.
When the future is terrifying—God goes before you.
You are never alone. Not in the battle. Not in the breakdown. Not when you’re backed into a corner.
He goes before you—and comes behind you.
Pastor Alex