Every year the Canadian Bible Society puts out a ‘Daily Bible Reading Guide’. I use it as a part of my Bible readings, and am constantly impressed its scheduled timeliness. Today was no exception.
Exodus 14:1-31 finds the Israelites avoiding the Philistines after they’d escaped the oppression of Egypt, and following the Pillar of Cloud and Fire. Just when it seems like things are going well, Pharaoh approaches with his horse-drawn chariots, riders and foot soldiers.
The Israelites momentarily forgot that it wasn’t their feet that engineered the escape, it was the path God had cleared that set them free. Their feet weren’t in any better shape to outrun Pharaoh this time either. They panicked.
Moses, who faced near mutiny, said:
Don’t be afraid. Stand firm and watch God do his work of salvation for you today. Take a good look at the Egyptians today for you’re never going to see them again. God will fight the battle for you. And you? You keep your mouths shut!
When the Israelites saw Pharaoh’s army it was as though they were looking into the face of the dragon, and he loomed large. Today, I think the world contemplates similarly large dragons. Radical Islam has been rousted from its nest. Is the War on Terror winnable? Sentiments of mutiny even waft about now and then.
In church today, as I was riffling through the hymn book on my way to the Apostle’s Creed, I happened to glance at ‘A Mighty Fortress is Our God’ . I used to think of it mostly as a strong, victorious message. And, it is. But, it also occurred to me this morning that it speaks to a softer side. God is indeed mighty. We don’t have to cross our fingers and hope that Jesus will work things out. Nor do we need to succumb to the emotion that stems from facing monumental tasks with lacking, mortal power. Our God will fight the battle for us. I think LTC Kurilla understands this.
And we? We’d do well to cast our eyes on the one who will work out his purposes through us. Whatever the dragon, God will prevail.
America, the people you lost on 9/11 will not die in vain.
For when it comes to the Prince of Darkness, one little word shall fell him.
...Leslie
A beautiful piece Leslie...
Amen and amen.
Posted by: Rick | Sunday, September 11, 2005 at 08:52 PM
a mighty fortress is one of my favorites for just that reason.
Posted by: cats | Monday, September 12, 2005 at 08:21 AM
Leslie,
Great thoughts.
You combine one of my favorite pieces of scripture with one of my favorite hymns.
Thanks
Nick
Posted by: Nick | Monday, September 12, 2005 at 12:35 PM