03-16-2025 The Song of the Redeemed
Thanks to Brother Bill Schacht for delivering the sermon in the Pastor’s absence.
Text: Exodus 15:1-18
I’m sure each one of us can think of a time when we experienced something that we never would have made it through without the help of God. How did you react when you realized that God was taking care of you? This morning let’s back at how the people of Israel reacted when they were able to cross the Red Sea when the Egyptian army was after them. Our text is found in Exodus 15:1-18 where Moses wrote: “(1)Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song unto the Lod and spoke saying: I will sing unto the Lord, for He has triumphed gloriously: the horse and his rider has He thrown into the sea. (2)The Lord is my strength and song, and He is become my Salvation: He is my God, and I will prepare Him an habitation; my father’s God, and I will exalt Him. (3)The Lord is a man of war: The Lord is His name. (4)Pharaoh’s chariots and his host has He cast into the sea: his chosen captains also are drowned in the Red Sea. (5)The depths have covered them: they sank into the bottom as a stone. (6)Your right hand, O Lord, is become glorious in power: Your right hand, O Lord, has dashed in pieces the enemy. (7)And in the greatness of Your excellency You have overthrown them who rose up against You: You sent your wrath, which consumed them as stubble. (8)And with the blast of Your nostrils the waters were gathered together, the floods stood upright as an heap, and the depths were congealed in the heart of the sea. (9)The enemy said, I will pursue, I will overtake, I will divide the spoil; my lust shall be satisfied upon them. I will draw my sword; my hand shall destroy them. (10)You did blow with Your wind; the sea covered them: they sank as lead in the mighty waters. (11)Who is like unto You, O Lord, among the gods? Who is like You, glorious in the holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders? (12)You stretch out Your right hand, the earth swallowed them. (13)You in Your mercy have led forth the people which You have redeemed: You have guided them in Your strength unto Your habitation. (14)The people shall hear and be afraid: sorrow shall take hold on the inhabitants of Palestina. (15)Then the dukes sf Edom shall be amazed; the mighty men of Moab, trembling shall take hold upon them and the inhabitants of Canann shall melt away. (16)Fear and dread shall fall upon them; by the greatness of Your arm, they shall be as still as a stone; till Your people pass over, O Lord, till the people pass over which You have purchased. (17)You shall bring them in, and plant them in the mountain of Your inheritance, in the place, O Lord, which You have made for You to dwell in, in the sanctuary, O Lord, which Your hands have established. (18)The Lord shall reign forever and ever.”
Music played an important part in Israel’s worship and celebration. Singing was an expression of love and thanks, and it was a creative way to pass down oral traditions. It’s the same for us today, which is why singing hymns is an important part of our worship.
When Israel realized how God has saved them at the crossing of the Red Sea, it was natural for them to sing and praise the Lord for delivering them and for eliminating their enemies. What we just read is the song that they sang. They began by recognizing that their strength comes from the Lord. Verses 2 through 10 recall the memories of their slavery in Egypt with the years of hard labor, the whips from the overseers. Then how God intervened and sent Moses to deliver them.
The Bible tells us of many instances of how people have found that God’s strength is enough to get them through. Philippians 4:13 reminds us that God’ strength will make it possible for us to do anything. He can help us to calm our anger, release us from substance abuse, or bring peace to our anxieties. And II Corinthians 5:17 reminds us that when we pledge our faith to Jesus Christ, we become new people on the inside. The Holy Spirit then gives us a new life and we are no longer the same as we were.
In verses 11-12 the Israelites call the Lord their Song as they sing of Him as glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, and doing wonders. When God becomes your song He’s not just the supreme ruler, He’s your Savior and your Redeemer. He’s not just somebody ‘up there,’ He’s the One in your heart. And He’s not just the ruler of the planets, He’s the Ruler of your plans. When God gives you a song in your heart, it’s something the world needs to hear. We should never be afraid or ashamed to tell people what God does for us and that He is able to do the same for them -- if they will let Him.
The Israelites recognized in verses 13-17 that God is their salvation and praised Him for the mercy He had shown to them. When we sing hymns were are praising God for His mercy, His leading, For Who He is, for His guidance, His holiness, and most important for His salvation made possible for His Son Jesus Christ.
Finally, in verse 18 we see how they praised Him as the God who will reign forever. They show us today that our salvation is eternal. And we know that because of Jesus, we will reign along side Him forever. Do you have a song in your heart, or do you spend your life obsessing over the problems you encounter rather than giving them up to God? If you aren’t praising Him for how He helps you handle your problems, then maybe you need to rethink just how important God is in your life and get back on the right track. He is always there for us. When we feel lost, it's not because God has deserted us, it’s because we have deserted God. Always remember, no problem is too big for Him to handle. Trust that He will always help you when you call on Him. Then when you see how He brought you through, don’t be shy about sharing how God has helped you when you couldn’t help yourself.
Until we meet again, may God bless and keep you, may He shine His light on you, show you grace, and give you peace in all the days ahead.