First Things First

Exodus 15:1-2, 11-13, 17-18

(Song of Moses)

1“I will sing to the LORD, for he has triumphed gloriously;

he has thrown both horse and rider into the sea.

2The LORD is my strength and my song;

he has become my victory.

He is my God, and I will praise him;

he is my father’s God, and I will exalt him!

11“Who else among the gods is like you, O LORD?

Who is glorious in holiness like you—

so awesome in splendor,

performing such wonders?

12You raised up your hand,

and the earth swallowed our enemies.

13“With unfailing love you will lead

this people whom you have ransomed.

You will guide them in your strength

to the place where your holiness dwells.

17“You will bring them in and plant them on your own mountain—

the place you have made as your home, O LORD,

the sanctuary, O Lord, that your hands have made.

18The LORD will reign forever and ever!”

Psalm Link

Psalm 105:42-43

42For he remembered his sacred promise

to Abraham his servant.

43So he brought his people out of Egypt with joy, his chosen ones with rejoicing.

Imagine what it must have been like to be Moses. Only a few months earlier he had been herding sheep on a desolate hillside. Then God speaks to him from a burning bush, calling him to lead his people out of Egypt. Despite Moses’ excuses, he is soon standing in front of the most powerful man on earth, saying, “Let my people go.”

Ten plagues later Moses leads the Israelites from Egypt with the Egyptian military in hot pursuit. Miraculously, the sea opens, the Israelites cross over, and Pharaoh’s army is trapped.

How do you feel now, Moses? A mighty victory had been won, and it must have been tempting for Moses to take some of the credit for himself. After all, he was the one who went toe-to-toe with Pharaoh and raised his staff to part the sea. But Moses knew that God deserved the glory for all that had happened.

God had a lot more for Moses to do. But first things first, and, according to Exodus 15, the first thing to do was praise God. All those other important tasks certainly needed to get done, but they could wait until Moses took time to thank God for all he had done. That’s what this song in Exodus 15 is all about—praising God for rescuing his people from Egypt.

What has God done for you that you can praise him for today?

When Moses and the Israelites from Egypt’s land did flee,

Their enemies behind them and in front of them the sea;

God raised the waters like a wall and opened up their way,

And the God that lived in Moses’ time is just the same today.

J. C. ADDIE

Bible Networking

Why did God choose the Israelites as his people? See Deuteronomy 7:6-9.

Notable Quotable

“Dare to believe that one day, when you know as you are known, you shall understand the loving-kindness that underlay your darkest experience.”

F. B. MEYER