FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8
Exodus 15:1-21
Ephesians 5:19-20

“Giving thanks always for all things
unto God and the Father …”

LEARN TO PRAISE GOD!

Having been delivered from Pharaoh’s army, Moses and the children of Israel sang unto the LORD. The beginning of this song extols God’s strength, His salvation, and exalts God and the rest of the song is similarly structured. They sang about the LORD’s power in separating the sea for them to cross over safely and His judgment of the mighty hosts of Egypt by drowning them all when He closed up the sea. The powerful army of Pharaoh was absolutely no match for the LORD. The god of Egypt, Pharaoh, is crushed too. Hence they praised God: “who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods?” (Exod 15:11). They sang about the LORD’s mercy in redeeming and purchasing them to be His people and guiding them to Himself. And all these mighty acts would cause the Canaanites to tremble. The song closes with praise and exaltation: “The LORD shall reign for ever and ever” (Exod 15:18). Miriam led the women with timbrel and dance as they sang.

We must remember to praise God after deliverance. We often tend to forget once we are relieved of our troubles. Remind your spouse, your child, your brethren, that you must pray and give thanks and praise God. Moses and Miriam did exactly that. Also, remember it is the arm of the LORD that saves, not man or the environment! We often say, “luckily,” or “if not for so and so.” We must turn our minds to God’s glory and goodness, and not to man. This song is quite different from today’s songs. Notice that the entire song is about God, not man, though it is about deliverance. The majority of songs today have man as the centre or focus, and God is expected to bless man. Choir presentations are meant to praise God, and must focus on exalting God. Yes, the hearers ought to be stirred to glorious and grateful thoughts about God, but they are not to be entertained. We must also note that Miriam’s timbrel and dance are part of this public celebration. Dancing at national celebrations (not in temple worship) is recorded in Scriptures.

THOUGHT: Do I forget to praise and thank God after deliverance?
PRAYER: LORD, help me to give praise after receiving Thy help.