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Pathway to the Red Sea by Dorothy Hitzka

Introduction The pathway to the Red Sea is strewn with

events that demonstrate the awesome power of Almighty God. The miracle of His unconditional love for His people lines the route.

God is about to rescue His people from oppres-sion and slavery. He does so by instituting one of the most significant rituals that foreshadowed what Christ would accomplish by His death on the Cross. In Passover we gain an insight into the very essence of Christianity—the sacrifice of the Lamb of God.

The Feast of Passover is still observed by devout Jews all over the world today. I had the privilege of visiting Israel one year during the Passover/Holy Week celebrations. This was no secular celebration that had evolved out of religion. It was a rather impressive display of the commitment of the Jewish people, who had survived multiple horrors in their history, to God’s command.

The children of Israel began the long journey that would lead them to the Promised Land. Along the way they encountered the power and love of God through His presence, His inter-vention, and His protection.

This week you will need:

� Wednesday: Matzo or pita bread (filling or topping)

� Thursday: road map and a highlighter

� Weekend: family adventure movie, optional

MONDAY READ EXODUS 11:1-10

In the ancient world, the firstborn son was the hope of the family. He inherited the wealth, took care of his mother and sis-ters, and ran the family business in the event of the death or ill-ness of the father. A father’s hope for the future was bound up in the firstborn son. There was much weeping and suffering in Egypt over the plague of the firstborn. But God had His hand of pro-tection over the Israelites.

In each case God was faithful. God had warned the Egyptians, but they disobeyed. God was faithful to His people, fulfilling the promise He made to Abraham—the promise that His people would have a future in the Promised Land.

� What would you feel if one person in whom you had put your hopes and dreams was removed from your life?

� How can you know God is with you in tough times? God is always faithful to His promises no matter what we

may or may not do. God is God. God is with us. We can trust Him even when circumstances are difficult.

Thank God for His strengthening presence at all times.

TUESDAY READ EXODUS 12:1-14, 18-21

God gave the Israelites strict instructions in preparation for the Exodus. There was no time to waste. This was a hurried event. If they did what God told them to do, wiping the blood of the lamb over the door and on the sides of the doorposts, the angel of death would pass by and their firstborn child would live.

A lamb was to be cooked and eaten by each family. They were to be dressed and ready to leave. In the morning they would set out on a long journey which would one day lead them into the land God had promised to Abraham and his descendents.

What if you were told we would be moving tomorrow morning? We don’t know where we are going or when we will get there. We can only take what can fit into the car. Each mem-ber of the family is allowed only three personal items to take along.

� What would be your reaction? � How would you decide what three personal items to take? Practice the unit Bible verse.

WEDNESDAY READ EXODUS 12:29-39

The loud crying began in the middle of the night. Pharaoh sent for Moses and Aaron. Pharaoh (the king of Egypt) was ready to send the Israelites on their way. He had had it!

The Egyptians work against Pharaoh to hurriedly get the Israelites out of the way.

� Why were the Egyptians motivated to help the Israelites? Describe how you think the Egyptians may have felt after suffering through the plagues.

� WEEK OF MARCH 9-14, 2020

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The Israelites moved quickly, carrying unleavened bread in bowls and gifts of gold and silver from the Egyptians. Because they left without yeast to put into the bread, it stayed flat after being baked on a stone.

If you buy the bread that Jewish people eat for Passover, it is called Matzo and looks like crackers. Pita bread closely resembles what the Israelites baked and ate on the journey.

Give each person at the table a pita (or a piece of Matzo). Have something to fill the pita, such as salad or meat or dip it in gravy or sauce. Matzo is good with butter, jam, or honey.

Thank God for His comfort during unexpected times. Thank Him for the food He provides for your family.

THURSDAY READ EXODUS 13:17-22

God led the Israelites from a pillar of cloud in the day and a pillar of fire in the night. They were led and protect-ed by His presence day and night—24 hours a day. The cloud protected them from the scorching heat of the sun and the fire protected them from the dangers of the dark desert nights.

When you go on a long trip to a relative’s house you use a map as a guide. Get out a map and plan a trip to a rel-ative’s house. Allow your children to help choose the route and then highlight it.

This map shows us how to get to ___________’s house. God’s presence in the pillar of cloud and in the pillar of fire guided the Israelites through the desert. Eventually God’s people made it to the land of Canaan, just as He had prom-ised. But we don’t have to see God to know He is there. We can trust in His promise to be with us always.

Thank God that He is always with you in everything you do and everywhere you go.

FRIDAY READ EXODUS 14:1-20

Pharaoh woke up to the early morning sunlight as a horrible feeling washed over him. “What have I done? I’ve just set my slaves free. Who will do the work?” The chase was on. Hundreds of chariots, the Egyptian army, and Pharaoh were in pursuit of the Israelites.

� What do you think you would feel if you looked up and saw Pharaoh’s army, in a cloud of dust, charging toward you?

Act out this scene. Turn off the lights. Have family mem-bers act as if they are the Israelites looking off into the distance to see Pharaoh’s army coming after them. Encourage them to think about how they might react, speaking their concerns for the family to hear. Put a blanket over a piece of furniture behind them to represent the cloud. Shine a flashlight in front of them to protect them from the oncoming army.

God miraculously protected the Israelites. � Do you think you have ever experienced a miracle?

Why, or why not? A miracle is an event or happening that cannot be

explained naturally. It shows the power of God. God per-forms miracles in order to show His glory, so that people will know He is God. Today’s scripture reading tells us about two miracles: the parting of the Red Sea and the cloud of darkness and light protecting the Israelites. There was no other way to explain what was happening—only God!

Thank God for the many ways He guides and protects you each day. Encourage each family member to say the unit Bible verse and tell what it means.

WEEKEND READ EXODUS 14:21-31

Watch an adventure movie as a family or have each family member tell of a favorite adventure movie or book.

It is like watching an exciting adventure movie. The bad guys are chasing the good guys. You sit on the edge of your seat, biting your nails, and hoping with all of your strength that the good guys will make it. Just in the nick of time an amazing thing happens—the good guys are saved!

Today’s scripture tells us about the crossing of the Red Sea when God showed His power through Moses by send-ing a strong wind that blew throughout the night, parted the water, and dried up the ground so that the Israelites could walk safely to the other side. When the Egyptians tried to follow them, God withdrew the wind and the waves crashed over them.

God is an awesome God with great power and worthy to be praised. Let us praise God for who He is, and for His power, love, and protection.

Take a few minutes to talk about some things you want to praise God for. Sing a favorite praise chorus. Remind chil-dren that we trust and praise God because He is God—in good times or bad times.