Victory Song
“In the greatness of your majesty you threw down those who opposed you.
You unleashed your burning anger; it consumed them like stubble.
8
By the blast of your nostrils the waters piled up.
The surging waters stood up like a wall;
the deep waters congealed in the heart of the sea.
9
The enemy boasted, ‘I will pursue, I will overtake them.
I will divide the spoils; I will gorge myself on them.
I will draw my sword and my hand will destroy them.’
10
But you blew with your breath, and the sea covered them.
They sank like lead in the mighty waters.
Exodus 15:7-10
Apologies readers. We had some uploading issues while I was away. But back on track today!.
On Tuesday we saw that celebration through song is the natural response of the rescued. But how are we to think about the lyrics of this particular song? Let me put it this way, should Christians today rejoice in the downfall of the enemies of God & His people?
This isn’t a one off song either. There are several Psalms that do this or even some that call on God in prayer to bring His judgement to bear on others. So, how should we think of this, and should we imitate?
I think the answer is yes and sort of. In that order. We can and should joyfully sing about God’s victories. Not over Egypt or any nation. But over our greatest adversary, sin & death. In fact we do, right? That’s what so many of our songs are about. Whenever we sing of Jesus’ death & resurrection we proclaim God’s victorious work.
But now is not the time to sing or pray prayers that call on God to destroy those other enemies that might fight against us. Those men and women who harm God’s people. We can and should pray that justice would be done according to the law of the land for this is glorifying God.
But Jesus encourages us, actually, He commands us to pray for our enemies. Not for their destruction but for their salvation. Remembering that we were once or would be no different to any of them if Jesus had not rescued us.
For Today:
Pray:
You unleashed your burning anger; it consumed them like stubble.
8
By the blast of your nostrils the waters piled up.
The surging waters stood up like a wall;
the deep waters congealed in the heart of the sea.
9
The enemy boasted, ‘I will pursue, I will overtake them.
I will divide the spoils; I will gorge myself on them.
I will draw my sword and my hand will destroy them.’
10
But you blew with your breath, and the sea covered them.
They sank like lead in the mighty waters.
Exodus 15:7-10
Apologies readers. We had some uploading issues while I was away. But back on track today!.
On Tuesday we saw that celebration through song is the natural response of the rescued. But how are we to think about the lyrics of this particular song? Let me put it this way, should Christians today rejoice in the downfall of the enemies of God & His people?
This isn’t a one off song either. There are several Psalms that do this or even some that call on God in prayer to bring His judgement to bear on others. So, how should we think of this, and should we imitate?
I think the answer is yes and sort of. In that order. We can and should joyfully sing about God’s victories. Not over Egypt or any nation. But over our greatest adversary, sin & death. In fact we do, right? That’s what so many of our songs are about. Whenever we sing of Jesus’ death & resurrection we proclaim God’s victorious work.
But now is not the time to sing or pray prayers that call on God to destroy those other enemies that might fight against us. Those men and women who harm God’s people. We can and should pray that justice would be done according to the law of the land for this is glorifying God.
But Jesus encourages us, actually, He commands us to pray for our enemies. Not for their destruction but for their salvation. Remembering that we were once or would be no different to any of them if Jesus had not rescued us.
For Today:
- Does reading the lyrics of Exodus 15 make you uncomfortable?
- What’s your favourite ‘Church’ song to sing right now?
- Pray for someone who has harmed you.
Pray:
- Praise the Father that He is the God of victory.
- Give thanks for Jesus Christ who won the ultimate battle for our sake.
- Ask God for His Holy Spirit to help you and others sing and pray according to God’s will.
Posted in Exodus
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