S) "1Then Moses and the sons of Israel sang this song to the Lord, and said,
'I will sing to the Lord, for He is highly exalted;
The horse and its rider He has hurled into the sea.'"
The horse and its rider He has hurled into the sea.'"
Exodus 15:1 (NASB)
O) There are a couple significant points to make about this verse. This chapter comes immediately after we read about the parting of the Red Sea, and the demise of Egypt's finest warriors. The first notable thing, is that this is actually the first recorded song in the Bible. It came on the heels of Israel's most significant deliverance, and it was spontaneous and genuine, full of thanks, awe, and adoration. The second notable thing about this verse, is that it highlights that this was corporate worship. "Moses and the sons of Israel sang," all together, in the same place. Later in the chapter (see v.20), Miriam leads the women in corporate praise as well. This was a nation of people who had just experienced the same miracle, and they celebrated it together with song, music, and dance.
A) While worship can be a very personal, intimate thing, it should also be a common public thing. Numerous examples, throughout both the Old and New Testaments, show believers worshiping together with others. It is almost always because of shared experience in hardship and/or freedom. If I ever find myself in a position that I am resisting public assembly (which Paul warns against in Hebrews 10:25), or joined worship, then I need to seriously question my heart's condition. Just as we see in the first recorded praise, singing with others about what God has done for us, should be an authentic response that comes easily. While there are aspects of worship that can be a little bit vulnerable (thinking of literal crying, for example), that level of shared honesty and intimacy is exactly the kind of experience that can unify the body of Christ all the more. Worshiping together should be a regular part of my Christian discipline, and if it is not, then I need to beware.
P) Father, Your goodness, holiness, might, grace, mercy, and love are all so evident to me, that my heart should react in praise and worship at all times. If I am ever resisting worship, in any fashion, for any reasons, make me aware, Lord! Discipline me in those moments, because I fear that a resistance to worship could mean much deeper issues at work in my heart. Open my eyes to see and my ears to hear, to be constantly aware of Your worthiness of my songs, LORD. Help me to worship You with my whole life, in songs, music, dancing, giving, working, and anything else. Let everything I do, be done for Your glory, and bring You joy. Thank You for the grace, mercy, and love You have shown me. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
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