Exodus 14:11-12 contains what I like to call Israel's "Why can't we" question. Today people are always asking, "Why can't we use instrumental music in worship?" "Why can't we baptize infants?" Israel was in essence asking, "Why can't we return to Egypt?"

Moses' answer was "stand still" - that is, wait for God's answer, make certain we have divine permission to do what we end up doing (v. 13). Israel was encamped at their present location because God has commanded them to be there (v. 2). How long should they have waited to move in either direction? Surely, until God gave them permission. They were to "stand still" - God's silence did not give them permission.

God's answer eventually came when He said "Go forward" (v. 15). Had God never said, "Go forward," submissiveness to Jehovah would have demanded that Israel stay put.

"Why can't we use a piano in worship? Where does the New Testament say we can't use a piano in our worship services?" While these are commonly asked questions, a more pertinent question would be "Has God given us permission to use a piano in our worship?" In answering the question, don't lose sight of the fact that permission is never granted by silence.

The sensible thing to do is to study the Bible to see what God has said, and then do it. Seems odd indeed that people would study to see what God has not said, and then do it.

Until you have divine permission, stand still!

- Woodland Hills Weekly, Tulsa, OK, July 5, 1992