READ: Exodus 15:1–21; Psalm 39
Verses chosen for
meditation: Exodus 15:2-3
2 The Lord is my strength and
my song, and he has become my salvation; this is my God, and I
will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him.
3 The Lord is a man of war; the Lord is his
name.
REFLECT
Exodus 15: 1-18 is a holy
song celebrating the victory God won for Israel, at the Red Sea and looking
forward to their journey toward the promised land (verses 13-18). It is a song meant to
be sung to honour God and exalt His Name. The Lord acted swiftly when the
Israelites were in a desperate situation, with oppressors behind them and the
sea in front of them. God then parted the Red Sea for His people to escape and thereafter
destroyed their oppressors by drowning them. Then the song of
deliverance, victory, defense and confidence was lifted to the Lord for His
victory over their enemies.
The opening verse recorded a strong statement and
declaration, using the full form divine name, “Yahweh”. Note that the Israelites use the personal pronoun
“my” four times in verse 2. What does this show? It shows us that the LORD is
their God. It denotes a close personal relationship and mutual attachment. It
conveys a closeness that say, “He is THE God, No Other”.
The Lord was declared as a divine warrior (v 3), who
fights on behalf of His people. The Israelites recognized the just side of
God’s character and called Him a “warrior”. We don’t generally think of
God as a warrior so what does this phrase mean to you? It means that God is not
only loving and merciful, but He can and will punish those who reject Him. Also,
warriors are able to protect their families, and God is likewise.
Just a brief mention about v 6 and 12, saying that it
was His “right hand” that is mighty and shattered the enemies and swallowed the
earth. “Right hand” is a very
typical biblical metaphor for skill and strength. That is why so often, we
are reminded rightfully to use right hand to pray or lay hands over someone.
RELATE
In this song, the people praised God’s control over nature. The Red
Sea looked massive, wild, untameable. Yet God is depicted as with mere simple
acts (blowing some wind) and the sea was tamed, and a path opened up. It was
effortless to the mighty hand of God, merely a small action compared to Him.
What a Mighty God we serve!
On the other hand, the Egyptians were desperately desired to catch
the Israelites and wanted to destroy them. But try as hard as they could, they
could do nothing to the Israelites because God protected them.
My God is more than able and most willing to protect His
people. Friends, whenever we cross a difficult life situation or emergency, do we
regard God as the One who is more than capable to assist? Friends, do you have
a high view of God that nothing is impossible with Him? The assurance we have
is that we have a God who is for us, not against us. He is our stronghold in
times of trouble (Psalm 18:2-3).
REST
Lord today, I rest in
Your assurance that You will be my protector, deliverer and stronghold.
Together with Psalm
18:2-3, I hereby declare to the One I can trust: 2 The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God,
my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my
salvation, my stronghold. Amen.
Vincent
Lee
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