Living in the Spirit

September 18, 2023

Scripture Reading: Exodus 14:19-31

The angel of God who was going before the Israelite army moved and went behind them; and the pillar of cloud moved from in front of them and took its place behind them. It came between the army of Egypt and the army of Israel. And so the cloud was there with the darkness, and it lit up the night; one did not come near the other all night.

Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea. The Lord drove the sea back by a strong east wind all night, and turned the sea into dry land; and the waters were divided. The Israelites went into the sea on dry ground, the waters forming a wall for them on their right and on their left. The Egyptians pursued, and went into the sea after them, all of Pharaoh’s horses, chariots, and chariot drivers. At the morning watch the Lord in the pillar of fire and cloud looked down upon the Egyptian army, and threw the Egyptian army into panic. He clogged their chariot wheels so that they turned with difficulty. The Egyptians said, ‘Let us flee from the Israelites, for the Lord is fighting for them against Egypt.’ –Exodus 14:19-25

When I read this scripture, I immediately envision the scenes from the movie The Ten Commandments. I do not know what I think about miracles, probably never will. I was struck by a car in a downpour of rain that knocked my car up the side of a small hill and back down again. My car headed straight back toward heavy traffic. My back wheels dropped into a ditch and stopped me cold. My back axle was broken, but that probably saved my life and the lives of others on the turnpike. The highway patrolman who responded just stood there and shook his head as he saw my car and realized what could have happened. I may not understand miracles, but I always have a greater appreciation for the presence of God.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for the consistency of your presence and your promise.  Amen.

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.