We are continuing our Let My People Go series at Mercy Hill Church, and this week we came to one of the most iconic moments in the book of Exodus—the parting of the Red Sea. But this story isn’t just about water and rescue. It foreshadows something even more personal for believers today: baptism. This week’s big idea is simple and powerful: Baptism brings glory to God.

3 Movements of Exodus 14

In Exodus 14, we see God moving in power to save His people. But before the waters part and the people walk across on dry land, there is fear. And just like the Israelites, many of us find ourselves in fearful situations, forgetting what God has done. Let’s walk through this passage in three movements: the fear, the baptism, and the glory.

1. The Fear

“When Pharaoh drew near, the people of Israel lifted up their eyes, and behold, the Egyptians were marching after them, and they feared greatly.” (Exodus 14:10)

The Israelites had just witnessed God’s judgment on Egypt through the plagues. They had been set free from slavery. They were enriched and headed for the Promised Land. And yet—at the first sight of danger—they panicked. In fear, we forget about God’s power and purposes. 

Instead of remembering God’s deliverance, they longed to go back to Egypt. Fear made them believe that slavery was safer than freedom. As Martin Luther once said: “The opposite of faith isn’t doubt; it’s fear.” Fear clouds our memory and distorts our perspective. We don’t always say, “I don’t believe in God” outright. Instead, we live in fear—and that fear becomes a form of unbelief. But Moses gives the people a charge: “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord” (Exodus 14:13). 

God calls us away from fear by reminding us of our salvation. That same call comes to us today. If you are in Christ, your greatest fear—spiritual death—has already been defeated. Baptism helps us remember that truth. 

2. The Baptism

Exodus 14:21-22 describes one of the most dramatic moments in the Bible: “Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and the Lord drove the sea back… and the people of Israel went into the midst of the sea on dry ground.”

This moment becomes the foundational image of baptism in the New Testament. 1 Corinthians 10:2 says, “All were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea.”

Just like baptism today doesn’t save us, walking through the Red Sea didn’t make the Israelites God’s people—they already were. But it did mark them. It was a moment of identification with God’s salvation. The same is true for us. Obedience in baptism changes you. It doesn’t save you, but it strengthens your faith. It signifies death to the old life and stepping into the new.

Let’s talk about the wedding ring. When Anna and I got married, putting on that ring threw me for a loop. I don’t wear jewelry—it’s a sensory thing, like when a kid can’t stand the tag in their shirt. Suddenly, I had this metal band on my finger 24/7. I felt it every second of the day. But I couldn’t exactly say, “You know what, babe? This wedding ring thing just ain’t for me!” So, I kept it on. 

Not wearing a ring doesn’t make you unmarried, but wearing it tells the world you are. Baptism is the same way. It’s an outward symbol of an inward reality. Don’t be the person trying to live the Christian life while refusing to wear the jersey. Or like a soldier who’s enlisted but won’t take the oath. Step into the moment. Be marked.

3. The Glory

Exodus 14:30-31 says, “Thus the Lord saved Israel that day…and the people feared the Lord, and they believed in the Lord and in his servant Moses.”

Give God glory through your baptism.

God parted the Red Sea, made a way, and swallowed up the enemy. That’s what He’s done for us in Christ. He made a way for us to escape spiritual death. And He deserves all the glory.

We don’t get to the Promised Land by our own strength—we get there because Jesus went through the waters of death for us. Romans 6:4 says, “We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death… that we too might walk in newness of life.” 

So, believer, remember your baptism. Let it be a source of courage when fear rises. Let it be a reminder that death has no sting. Let it stir your heart in worship and generosity.

And if you haven’t been baptized yet, what are you waiting for? Baptism is not just a symbol. It’s a marked moment that changes how you walk, live, and grow in your faith. If God is calling you today, text BAPTISM to 87217 or go to mercyhillchurch.com/baptism and take that step. Let baptism bring glory to God in your life.

-Andrew Hopper, Lead Pastor

Watch the full sermon from week seven of the “Let My People Go” series below: