Read: Exodus 15:19-22
The Lord covered the royal Egyptian cavalry and chariots with the sea, after the Israelites had walked safely through on dry ground. Miriam the sister of Aaron was a prophet. So she took her tambourine and led the other women out to play their tambourines and to dance. Then she sang to them:
“Sing praises to the Lord
for his great victory!
He has thrown the horses
and their riders into the sea.”
After the Israelites left the Red Sea, Moses led them through the Shur Desert for three days, before finding water.
Devotion: The Israelites were in the last stretch of their journey to escape Pharoah. Even though God was with them on the journey they still felt uncertainty and fear. Under God’s direction Moses continued to lead them to their destination. Through Moses’s leadership they made it through the sea and were finally free! Miriam knew this was a brief moment in the longer journey for the Israelites. But she was filled with joy to finally be free and did not want the Israelites to miss an important time of celebration. She could not help, but to lead the others in a special dance of celebration. God had led them to this key part of their trip. One filled with difficulty and dangerous situations. Miriam wanted them to recognize that God never left. God was present in it all. In the midst of the journey, she stopped everyone and led them in a happy dance. Celebrating being freed and cared for by God.
There are two types of travelers. Those who are focused on getting to the destination and those who celebrate each moment along the way. Miriam was the one who celebrated each moment with joy.
Wonder: Which one are you? Are you more like Moses, seeking out the destination, or Miriam, who celebrates along the way?
Which traveler do you think it is easier to be like? Why?
Pray: Dear Lord, we thank you for caring for us and loving us. As we travel may we find value in the two types of travelers. May we dance and celebrate like Miriam in the joyful moments along our journeys this summer. May we also celebrate the destination of the journey as well. Amen.
Act: Imagine yourself in Miriam’s shoes. Take some time to dance in celebration of today.