Thursday, June 10, 2021
Today’s Scripture
Today’s Author
Rob Sparks
Today’s lesson is a prayer or a hymn known as the “Song of the Sea,” or the “Song at the Sea.” After the Passover, and after Moses led the Israelites quickly out of Egypt, Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he sent an army of charioteers after his escaped slaves. The Israelites, fleeing eastward on foot, found themselves trapped by much faster wheeled pursuers against the bank of the Red Sea.
God offered the chosen people an escape route: “Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Why do you cry out to me? Tell the Israelites to go forward. But you lift up your staff, and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it, that the Israelites may go into the sea on dry ground.’” The Israelites crossed in safety. The Egyptians, seeing their quarry escaping, pursued. When Moses commanded, the waters returned and drowned Pharaoh's army.
Tradition has it that the Israelites, led by Moses and Miriam, sang hymns in unison as they crossed over the, now dry, seabed. To modern eyes, it seems a bit unsympathetic that the song simultaneously praises God while celebrating the violent demise of the charioteers and their horses; but, in the Jewish faith this hymn has the distinction of being the first time the people of God sang hymns of praise together. Prior to this point in time, the people had only lamented in unison.
God rescues God’s people from certain death and, in response, we lift our voices in songs of praise!
Summer Devotional
God Goes With Us
This summer’s devotional is a walk through the Bible. Join our pastors and staff for daily reflections on scripture passages from Genesis to Revelation. In the beginning, God said, “I will be your God and you will be my people.” Come and see how this covenant promise changes through time yet remains steadfast from generation to generation.
Each Sunday, Chris Holmes will share a short message on the texts for the week, and written reflections will go out every Monday through Thursday morning.
We wish you blessings and deeper faith this summer!
