Sing to the Lord

Press the play button to watch the video above or press 'more' to read the transcript of the daily devotion below. Please read Exodus 15:1-21 (use your own Bible or use the link above to access the in-App Bible).

‘I will sing to the Lord, for he has triumphed gloriously.’ Exodus 15:1

During Advent 2022, I hosted a group of Muslim ladies on a visit to our church, they were fascinated by the idea of Christians gathering to sing. It seemed strange to them, and yet in today’s reading we see the women of Israel launch a new choir and dance group (15:20), to lead the people of God in worship.

The wonderful promises and great acts of God magnified, in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus have inspired countless songs, poems, and hymns for thousands of years. So why do Christian’s sing?

John Piper answers: ‘Christian’s sing, because the realities of the Christian faith are so glorious—so great, so beautiful, so valuable—they will never be adequately experienced or expressed by written or spoken language alone. They must be sung.’ 

In our reading today, Moses and the Israelites gather to sing (15:1-2) after God has saved them from the Egyptians and brought them through the Red Sea. A few months before they were groaning in distress, now they are dancing with joy. The Israelites sing:

1) A joyful song declaring the mighty deeds of God who leads His people through the waters into new life, free from injustice and hopelessness (15:5-10).

2) An awe-inspired song full of reverence for a holy and perfect God (15:11-12).

3) A heartfelt song to a God who loves His people and is always faithful (15:13).

4) A salvation song worshipping God who is a warrior (15:4); who defeats His enemies, who redeems and restores, inspires and guides; and sets His people free (15:14-18). 

When God saves us He renews our hearts; He puts words in our mouths and dancing in our feet. We are more than cold intellectual machines, we have feelings. God made us to be affectionate, and singing helps us express the depth of our emotion. So ‘Sing to the Lord because he has triumphed gloriously’ (15:21).

Why not reflect on your faith journey so far? Listen and sing along with a worship song that inspires and reminds you of your place in God’s salvation story. Give thanks for how the Lord Jesus has demonstrated His saving power in your life. 

The Revd Alex Oehring, Rector for St. Bartholomew and Holy Trinity, Colne