The Israelites had lost hope. They cried out to Moses, but he said, “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will work for you today.” And He did, telling Moses to stretch out his hand and part the sea so that the people could cross on dry ground. They literally passed through the water, walls of it standing on either side. They weren’t slowed down by mud like the Egyptians would be. They walked forward in God’s promise of freedom and salvation, and when they reached the other side, it produced faith in them – “in the Lord and in his servant Moses”. In Baptism, we have no part in our salvation. God promises life and salvation, and He uses His servant, the pastor, to part the waters and bring the adopted child of God into a new life in His grace and mercy.