Exodus 15 reminds me of how I can remember song lyrics from my youth. Today, some of the anthems from my rebellious teens can be heard in the grocery store! I chuckle when I see people absentmindedly singing along as they shop. Today’s lesson is that words and music stay with us for generations. The chapter begins immediately after the Israelites crossed the Red Sea. After seeing their enemy swallowed up by the waters, they react with a spontaneous chorus of praise! I don’t know if there is anything more meaningful than a sincere word of thanks. The chapter begins with a reminder to the nation; Don’t Stop Believin’. “Then Moses and the Israelites sang this song to the Lord… The Lord is my strength and my defense; He has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise Him”. I am convinced that life improves when we intentionally start looking for things we are grateful to have. The lyrics contain some details about the victory: “Pharaoh’s chariots and his army… drowned in the Red Sea… sank to the depths” Like a Rock. Some of the words also teach of God’s nature as a warning: “You unleashed Your burning anger”. The wrath of God is a terrifying thing. We underestimate how much God loves us, and how much He despises seeing His children harmed. God’s patience in withholding judgement does not mean He condones our Bad Reputation. Those too proud to seek forgiveness imagine they are winning: “The enemy boasted, ‘I will pursue, I will overtake them.” They thought they were Takin Care of Business, but: “They sank like lead in the mighty waters.” The stunned Israelites are left to wonder “Who is like you— majestic in holiness, awesome in glory”. These lyrics were included with the hope that the next generation Won’t Get Fooled Again.
The next stanza of this Rhapsody includes the realization that the Lord desires to lead each of us into eternal peace with Him: “In Your unfailing love You will lead the people You have redeemed.” After bondage, they were Free Birds. Then they were lead through the wilderness. His visible presence guided them through the day and Night Moves. They believed they were about to enter the Promised Land: “You will guide them to Your holy dwelling.” God’s presence was visible, yet He always remains above mankind. The other nations shout, Were Not Gonna Take It, but: “will hear and tremble; anguish will grip the people”. Israel was and remains God’s chosen people: “You will bring them in and plant them… You made for Your dwelling, the sanctuary… Your hands established”. With a Rebel Yell, Miriam encouraged the people to shout out their thanks to God: “Sing to the Lord, for He is highly exalted.”
The chapter ends with what happens after the excitement. Life after a victory can be a letdown. “Moses led Israel from the Red Sea and they went into the Desert of Shur… they traveled in the desert without finding water.” How do we react when we hit a dry spell? God Only Knows. We question if God has a Whole Lotta Love. After 3 days: “they came to Marah, they could not drink its water because it was bitter.” Like most of us, the people began to complain: “The people grumbled against Moses, saying, ‘What are we to drink?’” Even after many miracles, in our flesh, we are Born to Run. Moses cried out to the Lord: “and the Lord showed him a piece of wood. He threw it into the water, and the water became fit to drink.” Sadly, there is no mention of any appreciation being expressed by the people. In that Sound of Silence the Lord gave them this Simple Man instruction: “If you listen carefully… and do what is right… keep all His decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, who heals you.” We can’t miss the symbolism included in that passage. Wood represents the cross, and water represents God’s Holy Spirit. Though we are healed completely at salvation, our actions can lead others to abundant life. While we cannot buy a Stairway to Heaven, we can demonstrate that salvation is More Than a Feeling. The chapter closes with the result: “Then they came to Elim, where there were twelve springs… and they camped there near the water.” Friend, Can’t You See? The Revolution begins when you follow the words of Jesus: “Come to Me” (Matt 11:28).