Who Is Like You, O Lord?
Exodus 15:11-13: "Who is like you, O Lord, among the gods? Who is like you, majestic in holiness, awesome in glorious deeds, doing wonders? You stretched out your right hand; the earth swallowed them. You have led in your steadfast love the people whom you have redeemed; you have guided them by your strength to your holy abode."
In chapters seven through ten, we saw the great showdown between the God of the Hebrews and the gods of Egypt. While the Egyptian magicians could reproduce a few of God's powerful acts, they could not reverse what God had done nor could they continue past the second plague. God was the only one who could bring the plagues upon the people and take them away from the people. The Lord was setting himself apart from Pharaoh and from the pagan gods worshipped throughout the land of Egypt. The Lord revealed Pharaoh and the gods not only as powerless but also as distant, uncaring, and unresponsive to the needs and cries of the people.
On the other hand, the Hebrews' God had no limitations in his power. He could make the sea turn into blood and he could return the sea to its previous condition. He could separate the water of the Red Sea and restore the water of the Red Sea. There was none like him! Israel saw the power of their God as did Pharaoh and all the nation of Egypt. While the Israelites were spared God's judgement, the Egyptians were brought to ruin.
The Israelites celebrated God's holiness, his awesome deeds, his power, and his steadfast love. Not only did this God have all power, but he was a God of love and mercy. He cared tenderly for his people. He led them, protected them, fought for them, and provided for them. The Lord demonstrated that he alone is to be worshipped and obeyed.
Is this how you experience the Lord? Do you recognize his power above every earthly authority? Do you understand his steadfast love for you and do you see his tender care for you? We are now his covenant people. May we have eyes to see him, ears to hear his words, and hearts to receive his love.
Reflection:
How have you seen God's holiness, glorious deeds, and wonders? Do you remind yourself of the miraculous work of the Lord in your life? Do you share your story with others? If not, do so today. May we keep singing our songs of praise so that we never forget that there is no one like our God!
In chapters seven through ten, we saw the great showdown between the God of the Hebrews and the gods of Egypt. While the Egyptian magicians could reproduce a few of God's powerful acts, they could not reverse what God had done nor could they continue past the second plague. God was the only one who could bring the plagues upon the people and take them away from the people. The Lord was setting himself apart from Pharaoh and from the pagan gods worshipped throughout the land of Egypt. The Lord revealed Pharaoh and the gods not only as powerless but also as distant, uncaring, and unresponsive to the needs and cries of the people.
On the other hand, the Hebrews' God had no limitations in his power. He could make the sea turn into blood and he could return the sea to its previous condition. He could separate the water of the Red Sea and restore the water of the Red Sea. There was none like him! Israel saw the power of their God as did Pharaoh and all the nation of Egypt. While the Israelites were spared God's judgement, the Egyptians were brought to ruin.
The Israelites celebrated God's holiness, his awesome deeds, his power, and his steadfast love. Not only did this God have all power, but he was a God of love and mercy. He cared tenderly for his people. He led them, protected them, fought for them, and provided for them. The Lord demonstrated that he alone is to be worshipped and obeyed.
Is this how you experience the Lord? Do you recognize his power above every earthly authority? Do you understand his steadfast love for you and do you see his tender care for you? We are now his covenant people. May we have eyes to see him, ears to hear his words, and hearts to receive his love.
Reflection:
How have you seen God's holiness, glorious deeds, and wonders? Do you remind yourself of the miraculous work of the Lord in your life? Do you share your story with others? If not, do so today. May we keep singing our songs of praise so that we never forget that there is no one like our God!
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