LifeLink Devotional

Tuesday, April 2, 2019

When faith is properly focused on the awesome nature and character of God, our hearts are inspired to praise Him. That is what happens when God delivers the Israelites from Egyptian slavery. It is what happens when God delivers people from the slavery to sin.

Exodus 15:1-2 Then Moses and the Israelites sang this song to the LORD: “I will sing to the LORD, for he is highly exalted. The horse and its rider he has hurled into the sea. The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him.”

I see several principles of praise in Exodus 15.

• Verse 1 – We are to praise God’s exalted position. When you pray and praise, start with the sovereignty of God.
• Verse 2 – We are to praise the personal nature of God’s relationship with us (He is my God). It is in relationship that we find strength and deliverance.
• Verses 6-7 – We are to praise His majesty. The Hebrew word here is excellency, which comes from a root meaning to rise up and above all others in pomp and perfection. God has risen up on our behalf and conquered all enemies because He will not share His glory with anyone. If you look down at verse 11 you discover that His majesty is based in His holiness, and that He will destroy any who oppose the purity of His nature.
• Verse 13 – We are to praise His unfailing love, which results in guidance and protection for those He has redeemed. This leadership brings us into His holy presence, in our spirit today and in the flesh when He returns for us. (See verse 17.)
• Verse 18 – We are to conclude our praise the way we began – with the sovereignty of God. He will reign for ever and ever.

Take some time today to celebrate God. I’m sure there are some horses and riders that He has thrown down in your life. As you recall them you will be filled with praise. But remember to focus your faith and your praise on His nature and His character rather than on His works. When you do, your faith will grow and your relationship with God will deepen.

Have a great day of singing God’s praises.

Pastor John