Weekly Devotionals – 29 November 2021

The above verse and song came to mind this past Saturday (November 20th) while witnessing 140 candidates going through the waters of Baptism. There was no denying the joy and excitement upon those who made their public declaration of faith, representing all generations from both the English and Chinese Congregations. How does the Song of Miriam relate to Baptism as well as the events affecting Lighthouse?

1. A Fresh Move of God

The people of God had been under Egyptian bondage for over 400 years. At the time of the Passover the people were to apply the blood of an unblemished lamb upon their door posts in order to be preserved from the consequences of the death angel. This is a clear portrayal of Christ as our Passover Lamb. Israel had to immediately prepare for their departure out of Egypt. A fresh move of God was about to take place. Under the leadership of Moses, the people prepared their households and began their journey out of their captivity with great joy. As born-again believers, are we discerning and anticipating a similar fresh move of God about to take place?

Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness And rivers in the desert (Isaiah 43:19).

2. Their Backs were Against the Wall

The initial joy and celebration came to an abrupt halt as Israel came up against the Red Sea. How can they continue on with their journey? To make matters worse, the armed Egyptians changed their minds and pursued after Israel, pinning them at the shores of the Red Sea. They were in an impossible situation with no place to turn. It was here where something new and drastic was about to take place. There is an important question we need to ask ourselves in considering this Biblical account. How do you view the challenging circumstances in your life today? Do you find your back being up against the wall? Do you complain or is their doubt and fear due to the prevailing circumstances (Exodus 14:12)? What was the view and perspective of Moses

3. God will Make a Way

Consider the following words of Moses.

And Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever. The LORD will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace” (Exodus 14:13-14).

Moses understood that God was in control and that He would perform His promise to his people. Our God is a Covenant Keeping God and continues to honor his Word today. Moses led Israel through the Red Sea and came up on the other side with everyone in safety. The pursuers were thoroughly destroyed as the waters returned to their borders making a clear distinction between God’s people and their enemies. Do you see a picture of how water Baptism can be likened to our experience from these events at the Red Sea?

140 Baptismal candidates went through the waters and came up again. They identified with both the death and resurrection power of Jesus (Romans 6:4). This is truly worth celebrating. Can you imagine the joy of Israel as Miriam led them in song and dances? Should we not experience a similar rejoicing in recognising the significance of this event?

God is doing a New Thing! Yes, it seems at times that our backs are up against the walls. The struggles and challenges are very real. Moses saw the bigger picture and its time we begin to look to God and take Him at His Word. May the recent Baptisms of our Dear Lighters inspire each of us and place within us the Song of the Lord. A Song of great rejoicing and a song of Great Deliverance. We do not have to wait to sing the song after the deliverance; we can do it now.

The LORD is my strength and song, And He has become my salvation; He is my God, and I will praise Him; My father’s God, and I will exalt Him (Exodus 15:2).