E.A. Johnston emphasizes that Moses' song in Exodus 15 celebrates God's mighty deliverance, encouraging believers to respond with heartfelt praise and trust in God's saving power.
In this sermon, E.A. Johnston explores the powerful song of Moses found in Exodus 15, highlighting God's mighty deliverance of Israel at the Red Sea. Johnston unpacks the song's themes of praise, victory, and God's faithfulness, encouraging believers to respond with heartfelt worship. The message challenges listeners to find their own song of victory in Jesus, especially in times of trial and discouragement.
Full Transcript
In the book of Exodus, in chapter 15, we find the record of the only song ever recorded of Moses. Psalm 90 is attributed to Moses, but that psalm is more of a prayer than a song. Here in Exodus, Moses pens a song of celebration to capture the moment as the children of Israel stand on the banks of the sea, which has just swallowed up Israel's pursuing enemies of a host of Egyptians and their chariots and their horses.
It's called the Song of Moses because Moses was so elated by this deliverance from God that he burst into song and he improvises in a sanctified mode of thanksgiving and praises unto almighty God. You know what, friend? When God comes through with a mighty deliverance for us, we cannot help but to break out into songs of praise as well. The title of my message today, friends, is Then Sang Moses.
And my subject is God is a Deliverer. In Exodus 15, we read, Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song unto the Lord, and spake, saying, I will sing unto the Lord, for he hath triumphed gloriously, the horse and his rider hath been thrown into the sea. This song begins with a statement as seen in verse two, but the Lord is my strength and song, and he has become my salvation.
He is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation, my Father's God, and I will exalt him. So begins this song of Moses as it plumbs the depths of God's great power in delivering his people, and the song reaches lofty heights of heartfelt expression by a man who is overflowing with praise to God because he is overwhelmed by the glory and power and faithfulness of God. Here, Moses sings of the right hand of the Lord that has become glorious in power.
He sings of the greatness of God's excellency in overthrowing his enemies. Moses sings of the wonderful works of God in dividing the sea as a highway for them, and the drowning of the Egyptians by the mighty waters as if it were a blast from the nostrils of a holy God. The song reaches its uttermost heights with the rising crescendo as Moses sings, who is like unto thee, O Lord, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders.
One, it is a song of celebration for what they just witnessed. Two, it is a song of praise to Almighty God for what he has just done. Three, it's a song of victory for the people of God over their enemies.
Then we see that Miriam joins in as leading the women in this song as she grabs a timbrel in her hand and the text reads, And all the women went after her with timbrels and with dances. What a wonderful party! What a glorious celebration! What a memorable song! Our text begins with, Then sang Moses, and it ends in a celebrating victory song. How about you, friend? Do you have something to sing about? Perhaps you're down in spirit lately over a recent illness or a devastating personal loss or perhaps an unforeseen trial, and it's gotten you down.
It's given you the blues, and the wind has been knocked out of your sails, and you've been burdened down by these weights of worry and circumstance. But through it all, had not God been there with you, strengthening you, comforting you, encouraging you, don't you have a song in your heart for his great deliverance of your sins at Calvary? Isn't Jesus wonderful, and isn't he worth singing about? A depression can be ended with a song. I like the song, Victory in Jesus.
I like to sing it. Is there a song you like to sing, friend? Then sing it. Our text says, Then sang Moses.
Oh, victory in Jesus, my Savior forever. He sought me and bought me with his redeeming blood. He loved me ere I knew him, and all my love is due him.
He plunged me to victory beneath the cleansing flood.
Sermon Outline
-
I
- Introduction to Moses' Song in Exodus 15
- Context of Israel's deliverance at the Red Sea
- Significance of the song as a celebration
-
II
- The theme of God as Deliverer
- Key phrases from the song highlighting God's power
- The song as an expression of praise and thanksgiving
-
III
- Miriam's role in leading the women in worship
- The communal celebration of victory
- The importance of singing in response to God's faithfulness
-
IV
- Application for believers facing trials
- Encouragement to find a song of victory in Jesus
- The power of worship to overcome discouragement
Key Quotes
“Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song unto the Lord, and spake, saying, I will sing unto the Lord, for he hath triumphed gloriously.” — E.A. Johnston
“When God comes through with a mighty deliverance for us, we cannot help but to break out into songs of praise as well.” — E.A. Johnston
“A depression can be ended with a song.” — E.A. Johnston
Application Points
- Respond to God's deliverance in your life with heartfelt praise and worship.
- Use songs of victory to uplift your spirit during difficult times.
- Remember God's faithfulness as a source of strength and encouragement.
