What God spoke to Moses at the burning bush, became reality as the children of Israel crossed the Red Sea.
Then the Lord said, “I have observed the misery of my people who are in Egypt; I have heard their cry on account of their taskmasters. Indeed, I know their sufferings,
“And I have come down to deliver them from the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land to a good and spacious land, to a land flowing with milk and honey, to the country of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites.
“The cry of the Israelites has now come to me; I have also seen how the Egyptians oppress them” (Exodus 3:7-9).
The song of Moses praises God for his character and actions as he fulfilled his word to Moses. It also talks about the journey to the Promised Land.
Traveling to the promised land carries great risks, but God’s steadfast love helps the Israelites accomplish it.
In your steadfast love you led the people whom you redeemed;
you guided them by your strength to your holy abode. (Exodus 15.13).
The phrase “steadfast love” in the Old Testament is very similar to how “grace” is understood in the New Testament.
Charles Spurgeon’s book, “All of Grace,” talks about our journey. We always reach the Promised Land that God has for us through His grace.
News Travels Fast
News about God helping Hebrew slaves against the Egyptians reached Canaan. The powerful country, Egypt, was defeated at sea by the mighty God of the Hebrews.
The peoples heard; they trembled;
pangs seized the inhabitants of Philistia.
Then the chiefs of Edom were dismayed;
trembling seized the leaders of Moab;
all the inhabitants of Canaan melted away.
Terror and dread fell upon them;
by the might of your arm, they became still as a stone
until your people, O Lord, passed by,
until the people whom you acquired passed by. (Exodus 15.14-16)
Not only were the surrounding nations in fear, but God’s people were amazed at His powerful actions at the sea.
Who is like you, O Lord, among the gods?
Who is like you, majestic in holiness,
awesome in splendor, doing wonders? (Exodus 15.11)
Consider our magnificent God. No other deity has acted so profoundly in history. None have championed the weak against the powerful as he. His miraculous deeds inspire awe and praise from his followers like no other.
The Kingdom of God
I use the Lord’s Prayer almost daily during my prayer time. It’s fascinating how the first two requests in this prayer link with our reading from Exodus.
Our Father in heaven,
may your name be revered as holy.
May your kingdom come. (Matthew 6.9-10)
God’s name reflects his character and nature. When he defeated the Egyptians, it showcased his power over their many gods.
Today, we need God’s glory to shine above everything that stands against him in our world.
The Song of Moses concluded with the understanding that God would establish his kingdom and reign in Jerusalem.
“You brought them in and planted them on the mountain of your own possession,
the place, O Lord, that you made your abode,
the sanctuary, O Lord, that your hands have established.
“The Lord will reign forever and ever.” (Exodus 15.17-18)
Dallas Willard explains the kingdom of God as “the effective reach of God’s power.” The Hebrew people believed God ruled from Jerusalem, but Jesus taught us that God’s kingdom is right here among us.
“For, in fact, the kingdom of God is among you” (Luke 17:21).
When we ask for God’s kingdom to arrive, we align ourselves with Moses and his song, the Hebrews in the Temple, and Jesus’s prayer for God’s mighty influence to impact every person.
Consider how God’s reign, filled with fairness and honesty, would touch everyone and bring them happiness.
Compare how God uses His power to rule with the way nations and people try to use their power over others.
Comparing the two different uses of power provides a strong reason to pray regularly, “Your kingdom come.”
Considering God’s character and great power, isn’t it truly wise to pray for his kingdom to come into our lives?
YouTube Video
Rudy Ross, Whispering Danny and I discuss this passage on YouTube today. It is on the Bob Spradling channel.
Real Voices 