MOST OF 1,400 ON DOOMED FERRY FEARED LOST
SAFAGA, Egypt - An aging ferry sank in the choppy waters of the Red Sea on Friday with more than 1,400 people on board, mainly Egyptian workers returning from Saudi Arabia. Most were feared lost but officials said at least 314 made it to safety.
A spokesman said the ferry did not have enough lifeboats, and questions were raised about the safety of the 35-year-old, refitted ship that was weighed down with 220 cars as well as the passengers.
"It's a roll-on, roll-off ferry, and there is big question mark over the stability of this kind of ship," said David Osler of the London shipping paper Lloyds List. "It would only take a bit of water to get on board this ship and it would be all over. ... The percentage of this type of ferry involved in this type of disaster is huge."
Weather may also have been a factor. There were high winds and a sandstorm overnight on Saudi Arabia's west coast.
photo & story courtesy news.yahoo.com, 02/04/06
21Then Moses raised his hand over the sea, and the LORD opened up a path through the water with a strong east wind. The wind blew all that night, turning the seabed into dry land. 22So the people of Israel walked through the sea on dry ground, with walls of water on each side! 23Then the Egyptians--all of Pharaoh's horses, chariots, and charioteers--followed them across the bottom of the sea. 24But early in the morning, the LORD looked down on the Egyptian army from the pillar of fire and cloud, and he threw them into confusion. 25Their chariot wheels began to come off, making their chariots impossible to drive. "Let's get out of here!" the Egyptians shouted. "The LORD is fighting for Israel against us!" 26When all the Israelites were on the other side, the LORD said to Moses, "Raise your hand over the sea again. Then the waters will rush back over the Egyptian chariots and charioteers." 27So as the sun began to rise, Moses raised his hand over the sea. The water roared back into its usual place, and the LORD swept the terrified Egyptians into the surging currents. 28The waters covered all the chariots and charioteers--the entire army of Pharaoh. Of all the Egyptians who had chased the Israelites into the sea, not a single one survived. 29The people of Israel had walked through the middle of the sea on dry land, as the water stood up like a wall on both sides. 30This was how the LORD rescued Israel from the Egyptians that day. And the Israelites could see the bodies of the Egyptians washed up on the shore. 31When the people of Israel saw the mighty power that the LORD had displayed against the Egyptians, they feared the LORD and put their faith in him and his servant Moses.
WHAT CAN WE LEARN FROM THE RED SEA STORY IN TODAY'S SCRIPTURE?
Tyndale's LIFE APPLICATION STUDY BIBLE notes provide some insight:
14:21,22 There was no apparent way of escape, but the Lord opened up a dry path through the sea. Sometimes we find ourselves caught in a problem and see no way out. Don't panic; God can open up a way....The God who created the earth and water performed a mighty miracle at exactly the right time to demonstrate his great power and love for his people.
Isn't it amazing to think about God's power intervening for His people to accomplish His perfect plan? I say this because we must remember that God's love for us does not guarantee us a safe crossing in all the "Red Seas" we face in life. God's ways are way beyond ours.
I can't explain why God allowed over 1000 people to die in the Red Sea last week. They weren't in an evil Pharaoh-led chase of God's people. Tragic accidents happen in this broken, fragile world. But I know that God loved the people who died last week the same way He loves you and me.
Everything is in His loving hands. Let this truth compel us to respond by loving Him, trusting Him, and obeying Him.
If a picture is worth a thousand words, look at this OT drawing and talk with your Heavenly Father for a few minutes....
picture courtesy googleimages.com
- Save the Bible Story picture of the Red Sea (above) as a reminder to trust God completely this week no matter what you might face.
- Pray for the families and friends of those who died last week in the Red Sea disaster. Ask God to bring His loving hope of Jesus Christ into their lives.
- Keep track in your journal of the little "red sea crossings" that God provides in your life. It will add some interesting chapters to your story!
Daily Devos is published Monday through Friday. Archives can be found at YFC.ORG. Its purpose is to help you apply truths from God's Word every day.
Our writer, Byron Emmert, has been involved with Youth For Christ for 30 years. He's served as Campus Life Staff, as a writer, and in leadership for the DCLA Conferences. Byron is married to Linda and their family includes two married sons and daughters-in-law, and a daughter in college. He loves sports, deep dish pizza, and spending time with his family.