15. The Crossing of the Red Sea (Exodus 14)

After leaving Egypt, the people of Israel found themselves in a desperate situation: before them lay the vastness of the Red Sea and, behind them, Pharaoh's army was rapidly approaching to capture them. The people, filled with fear, began to doubt Moses. However, Moses instilled confidence in them with words of faith: "Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will work for you today." Following God's instruction, Moses stretched out his staff over the sea, and a strong wind divided the waters, creating a dry path for the Israelites to cross.

While Israel passed safely to the other shore, the Egyptians tried to pursue them along the same path. But at dawn, God commanded Moses to stretch out his hand over the sea again. The waters returned to their place with full force, swallowing up Pharaoh's chariots and soldiers. This great miracle confirmed God's power over nature and consolidated Moses' authority as the leader chosen to guide his people to freedom.

The crossing of the Red Sea is the great event of salvation in the Old Testament. It teaches us that what seems impossible or a dead end to men is an opportunity for God to show His glory. For Christians, this event is a figure of Baptism: just as the people passed through the water to leave slavery behind and begin a new life, we, through the water of Baptism, are freed from sin and called to live as children of God.