The Lutheran High School of Kansas City will be providing devotions for use during your daily Bible time. Today's Devotion is based on Exodus 15 and is written by Lutheran High Senior Lauren Ada.
Our Deliverer
Reading: Exodus 15:1-21
Exodus has almost always been one of my favorite books of the bible. I love the stories of Moses, the plagues, the exodus itself, the ten commandments, and others. For me, they all show just how much God did for His people because He cared for them, despite their persistent complaints and lack of trust and faith. Recently, I was reading chapter 15 and a few verses stuck out to me. Right before this passage, God had allowed the people of Israel to cross the Red Sea on dry land. He had made the waters close upon Pharaoh's army, from which they were fleeing, thus saving His people and allowing them to continue their trek to the promised land. In Chapter 15, the Israelites join in song, praising God for delivering them. Their song retells the tale and proclaims the goodness, might, and power of their God. Verse 2 states that “The Lord is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation; this is my God and I will praise Him.” This still applies to us in all that we do in our lives. The Lord our God is our source of strength and our saving grace. We are utterly powerless, we are nothing without Him. If we were left to fend for ourselves or work our way to eternal life, we couldn’t do it. We can’t handle anything without our creator. Because He cares for us so much, it only makes sense that He should be the subject and receiver of all praise. In verse 11, the people ask “Who is like you, O Lord, among the gods? Who is like you, majestic in holiness, awesome in glorious deeds, doing wonders?” In short, no one. No one is like Him. We fill our lives with all sorts of ‘gods’ that we like to focus our attention on, look to for help, or give all our praise or trust to. But doing that is pointless. Nothing on earth can match the greatness of our God or challenge his might. The works of our almighty God are displayed everywhere, just look at the wonders of the earth around you. If this God can do such wonderful things, why shouldn’t we go to Him in all things? There isn’t any problem too big for our almighty Father. As explained in verse 13, God uses His strength to deliver His people, in love, and guide them to their heavenly home. He did for the Israelites and still does the same in our lives. Finally, the song of the people ends with dancing as Miriam sang; “sing to the Lord for He has triumphed gloriously.” Today, in our world, it feels like we are being pursued by chaos, death, and sorrow. That’s how it is in this sinful world. But if we just have faith and trust in Him won’t He deliver us as well? After all, we too are His chosen people and our promised land is still to come.
Prayer:
Dear God, our almighty Father, protector, and creator, you alone have the power to save, and for that we praise you. We know that we are weak and undeserving of your goodness, but still you grant us your grace. We thank you for your presence in our darkness, and for the promise of salvation. We continue praying that you are with all who are in your care, especially baby Eli in his fight for life, Suzan Mikeska, Barbara Wollberg, KC Gloe as he recovers from his procedure, Pastor Paul Schult, and all those who are struggling with the coronavirus. Be also with Mr. and Mrs. Schultz as they await the birth of their firstborn. Help us to trust in You O God, our deliverer. Amen.
~Lauren Ada~