#31 God is never more present than in the depths of our problems. So, what is stealing my joy? Exodus 15:2, 5.
"Singing is as much the language of holy joy as praying is of holy desire" Matthew Henry
Pharaoh and his army hurled into the sea. The best of the best. All because of our Defense. The Lord is a warrior. The deep waters have covered them and they sank to the depths of the sea. Exodus 15:2, 5. And that meant, this. They could walk on dry ground across a piled-up sea. God is never more Present than in the depths of our problems, if we walk by faith. I remember a moment stopping at a 7-11 with 3 sick kids, very sick kids. A homeless person, on his way out the door, grabbed something out of the filthy trash can holding what no one wanted. He big gulped and I big gasped. And at that very moment, a beautiful butterfly landed on three-year-old Barrett's arm and perched for a few seconds. The dichotomy of the moment of our deep waters sunk into this mom's heart. God is taking care of us.
I hold dear in my heart words that Larry spoke about this exodus. "The Exodus from Egypt is a picture of my being rescued from the Kingdom of Darkness, but I'm more interested in being rescued from my pain and problems. I think I'm entitled to things going well for me, or at least better than they are."
What is most wrong in me that blocks my joy like Moses and Miriam belting out this Exodus 15 Song of Deliverance. My God has delivered me! There is NOTHING NO ONE like Him. Exodus 15:11
Exodus 15:19 For the horse of proud Pharaoh went in with his chariots and with his horsemen into the sea, and the LORD brought again the waters of the sea upon them but the children of Israel went on dry land in the midst of the sea.
I walked on dry land this weekend. Only God could have brought this one unknown girl to me, a messenger, an exhibit of His Grace poured over me.
Exodus 15 is complete victory. I mean every one of Pharoah's household and horde and horsemen became a fugacious thought---No More! No More Bondage! One of the commentaries says, h.e.r.e., we are told how it was celebrated: "Those that were to hold their peace while the deliverance was in working. The Lord will fight for you while you keep silent. You must hold their peace now that it was wrought." Their oppressors are dead lying upon the shore of the seas, covered in the quake. Sing now Moses and Miriam. You have believed your God. Sing upon a "sea of glass" (Rev 15:2), this Red Sea. We cannot conjure up praise; it springs from delivered hearts who carry much. We all wrestle with suffering and shame and sorrows. He is our song!
Wind blows whichever way God wills. John 3:8
Waters pile up, stand up like a heap. Exodus 15:8
Choicest chosen captains buried in the glass of sea. Exodus 15:4.
Down into the depths like a stone, No! like lead. Exodus 15:5
Guided. Gripped. Grasped. Greatness.
The Song ushered them into a new wilderness of no water...until Elim.
Isn't that just like life? Ups and Downs.
We do not know what tomorrow holds. Feast maybe famine.
We don't live from circumstance to circumstance to prove God's Goodness.
He provides even in our wilderness.
All throughout Scripture, it is the same question … “What is it you want?” he asked.
She said, “Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom.” Matthew 20:21
Mark says it was the 2 brothers who asked. Matthew says the mama asked for superior positions, right smack dab next to the heart of the King. They thought Jesus would establish a Kingdom on earth. So, why not ask for first dibs on the highest position in the land.
What drives these people to pursue ambition?
What drive my very own ambition as I approach sunset years?
Why did they want positions far above their peers?
Did the mom really think she could just ask and Jesus would nod "yes."
If I have love and great ambition for the Kingdom, I still have ambition. Noisy clanging cymbals.
She said, “Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom.” Matthew 20:21
Mark says it was the 2 brothers who asked. Matthew says the mama asked for superior positions, right smack dab next to the heart of the King. They thought Jesus would establish a Kingdom on earth. So, why not ask for first dibs on the highest position in the land.
What drives these people to pursue ambition?
What drive my very own ambition as I approach sunset years?
Why did they want positions far above their peers?
Did the mom really think she could just ask and Jesus would nod "yes."
If I have love and great ambition for the Kingdom, I still have ambition. Noisy clanging cymbals.
PHOTO:
What really blocks my joy?
What do I really want?
No comments:
Post a Comment