Readings
- Exodus 15
- Psalm 90
- Revelation 15:1-4
Prayer
Pray… that with your voice, whether in song, speech or prayer, you will glorify the name of God.
Day 55 – Moses & his Songs
Songs of worship and praise to God
- It’s a pleasant change of pace in today’s readings as we get to read three songs of Moses. The snippet we get in Revelation is a reprise with similar themes of the one in Exodus.
- Consider the dramatic story in Saturday’s reading. Why would Moses and Miriam sing the song in Exodus 15? What is the song about?
- Exodus 15 shows a fascinating insight into the fickle nature of humans like you and me. The Israelites sing the song of praise to God at the start, but the tone at the end of the chapter is different. How long was it before their voices are used to grumble against God instead? Does the speed at which they start grumbling surprise you? Do you do this?
- If you do, aren’t you glad that God is a god of mercy and forgiveness, just like He was in Exodus 15:25 when He answered the Israelites complaints?
- Psalm 90 is a song written by Moses, probably after the 40 years in the wilderness which we’ll be reading about over the coming weeks. What’s this song about? What’s different about the song Moses sang before the time in the wilderness and the song afterwards? Why do you think they are different?
- The psalm makes pretty brutal reading. It talks about mankind’s dismal “messed up” state before God, and acknowledges the guilt of mankind. Yet it calls God a “refuge”, and the psalm finishes (in verses 13-17) with a prayer to God for compassion.
- If you’re feeling like a challenge, check out the parallels between the song in Exodus and the one in Revelation. Both are sang after victory next to a sea. So what, you might say? People who trust in Jesus are delivered from death itself and brought to new life in Christ through His power (Romans 6:1–11 and 1 Corinthians 10:1–4, for example). That is why New Testament sings Moses’ song too. Jesus has thrown the Evil One into the sea of God’s wrath, just like He dealt with the Egyptian enemy.
What is your favourite hymn or Christian song? Try and think of one which has words which helps you sing truths to God, not just one with a nice tune (although both together is even better!). I love “How Great Thou Art”, which is a great hymn of praise to God’s majesty. “Abide with me” is another wonderful song about God’s ultimate compassion and mercy. “It Is Well With My Soul” is a stunning reflection of how knowing God’s love, throughout any difficulty, is the greatest thing. What about you?
Singing to God is one way we can worship Him. I know that praising God confidently and boldly through song doesn’t exactly come naturally to most teenagers. Next time you’re at church, however, look around at everyone singing to God. Some just mumble their way through halfheartedly, but not everyone. People all around you are worshipping their Saviour. Some people close their eyes to focus on God. Some people will sing loudly (and even out of tune!). Some people – shock horror! – might even put their hands up, as if they were offering themselves to God.
Don’t be embarrassed to worship God in song. Look at the words of the verses and sing them like you want to share them with God. Sing out confidently – nobody will care, I assure you – and even though St John’s isn’t quite as stirring as the main tent at Keswick, you will still find that it’s a pleasure to bring your praises to God this way.
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