A SONG OF FREEDOM
Read it
Exodus 15:20-21
Then Miriam the prophet, Aaron’s sister, took a timbrel in her hand, and all the women followed her, with timbrels and dancing. Miriam sang to them: “Sing to the Lord, for he is highly exalted. Both horse and driver he has hurled into the sea.”
Discover It
You remember the story. The children of Israel were slaves in Egypt, and Moses was commissioned by God to go to Pharoah with the message, “Let my people go.” But Pharoah resisted, so God sent ten plagues to break the back of the Egyptians: plagues of blood, frogs, flies, and pestilence. And when the final plague came, the killing of firstborn children, Pharaoh relented, and the children of Israel went out to freedom. But as they crossed the desert, Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he sent his armies to pursue and kill the people. Backed up to the Red Sea they had no hope of escape. But then God did something miraculous. The Red Sea split open, and the Israelites walked through on dry land. As Pharoah’s armies pursued God released the waters to cave back in upon the soldiers and chariots. The mighty army was destroyed, and the children of Israel were truly free!
Ask It
1. Our scripture for today contains a song that Moses’ sister Miriam sang after the Red Sea miracle. Why do you think a great victory so frequently causes people to dance and sing?
2. The Bible says in our verses that all the women followed Miriam with timbrels and dancing. Why in your opinion is celebration so contagious?
3. In verse 21 of our scripture, there was a historical element to the lyrics of Miriam’s song. Why do you think singing is a great way to preserve, teach, and reinforce history?
Live It
1. Think of Victories the Lord has won for you. These victories may be big or small. Quiet or earth-shaking, personal, or global. Dwell on these victories and teach them to the next generation!
2. Learn to Celebrate these incremental successes. Take some time to dwell upon your victories. Stop for a moment to praise and thank the Lord before you go on to other tasks.
3. Bring others with you on your Journey of Praise. Miriams praise was contagious! Others joined her to sing of the victory and freedom God brought to His people!
Pray It
I claim my freedom now in the name of Jesus Christ. Jesus, I ask you to sanctify me through and through. May my whole spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Thessalonians 5:23–24).
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