GREAT LIGHT

Week 2: The Darkness Cannot Withstand

During this study, we will be doing a ‘deep dive’ into a scriptural passage. It is strongly encouraged that you study the passage and entire chapter ahead of the study. Also be prepared with your research tools, for example Google or your study Bible, as you will need to reference it during the study. Spend time answering and discussing each question with the intention to gain sufficient understanding to help your own private Bible study as you further explore these topics.

Study Chapters: Exodus 10-14

Pilot text

Exodus 14:19-24 19 And the Angel of God, who went before the camp of Israel, moved and went behind them; and the pillar of cloud went from before them and stood behind them. 20 So it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel. Thus it was a cloud and darkness to the one, and it gave light by night to the other, so that the one did not come near the other all that night. 21 Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the Lord caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea into dry land, and the waters were divided. 22 So the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea on the dry ground, and the waters were a wall to them on their right hand and on their left. 23 And the Egyptians pursued and went after them into the midst of the sea, all Pharaoh’s horses, his chariots, and his horsemen. 24 Now it came to pass, in the morning watch, that the Lord looked down upon the army of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and cloud, and He troubled the army of the Egyptians.

Discussion Points

Looking beyond just the content of the chapter, what can we infer about the intention behind this narration?

1. What time of the day did the crossing of the red sea happen? Whose perspective(s) are you looking from?
2. Consider the circumstances surrounding the story in the pilot text. What was the first sequence of events that happened after Moses prayed to God, and what impact did this have on what happened next?
3. In your view, why was the same cloud seen as darkness by one side, yet provided light to the other? [Consider 2 Cor 4:3-4]

Closing thoughts: Darkness is a fact of life, as is the night. With darkness comes fear, a lack of knowledge and confusion. But with light comes knowledge, understanding and ultimately freedom. When we read the story of the crossing of the red sea, we often focus on the miracle of the crossing, which was truly amazing. But we often miss something equally remarkable: before that crossing took place, God first gave the Israelites light, while those pursuing them remained in the dark. This light then made it possible for them to rightly divide, and then negotiate the red sea. Otherwise, they would be unable to see the way through (even though it was there). Neither could they have taken everyone across in the relatively short time they had.
At the heart of every victory that we experience is light – the light that brings clarity, direction, inspiration and freedom from fear. In that night of darkness and fear, when they were being hunted down by the enemy behind and facing an impossible situation in front; the first thing God sent them was light. And when that light shone, the power of darkness over them was broken.

Application Questions (use scriptures to support your position):

1. A fellow Christian tells you that nighttime is evil because that is when bad things happen. How would you respond?
2. A friend of yours who is growing in the faith tells you that he struggles with fear of witchcraft from ‘village people’. What would you advise him?