Home > Reading > The Daily Lectionary – April 5, 2016

exodus15-21

Exodus 15:1-21; 1 Peter 1:13-25; John 14:18-31

For Bronco fans still smarting from their loss to Seattle two years ago, this was their year to sing and dance. Victory turned to celebration.

The passage from Exodus 15 is about a celebration after a victory. Pharaoh had let God’s people go from their bondage, but then came a change of heart. Apparently there would be a second half to this saga. On one side stands an army of chariots. On the other, the Red Sea. In the middle, God’s people are stuck between a rock and a hard place. But then the unexpected happens: God’s power opens the way through the waters to safety and those same waters crush the opponents. Then Moses and then Miriam lead the people in a victory song along with some dancing. God won and it was time to celebrate.

Through the cross and resurrection our Lord defeated our worst enemies: sin, death, and all the powers of evil. Winning is wonderful and celebration natural. Our challenge today, however, is to sing and dance when it feels like we’re losing, and celebrate harder. At those times, we must sing and dance by faith knowing that God has already won. Our faith can see victory.

Prayer: Lord, when the battle seems hard and absent of victory, put a new song in our hearts through faith in your victory. Amen.

Today’s devotion was written by Gib Botten, pastor of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Everett, WA.

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