Devotion:
Read Exodus 15:22-27.
I realize this sounds like something Yogi Berra might have said, but this passage would be really funny if it weren’t so sad! God had inflicted the Egyptians with plague after plague, protecting the Children of Israel from each one, including the horrendous death of the Egyptians’ firstborn. Then when the Israelites were blocked by the Red Sea from escaping from Pharaoh and his approaching army, God parted the water for the Israelites to safely pass through and sent it crashing in on the Egyptians, killing them. So central to their story, the Israelites would forever celebrate these mountaintop experiences as the Passover and as the moment of their salvation by God. And yet, just a few days later, when the water was bitter, they begin to grumble. Where is their faith?
Then I am reminded that we are to read Scripture, not as if looking through a window at others, but rather as if we are looking in a mirror at ourselves. If I am honest, I can see myself in this story. Mountaintop experiences are great! They reinforce our faith and remind us of God’s presence. But we must remember that life is not lived on the mountain. Most of life is lived in everyday experiences and challenges. The God of the mountaintop is with us in the valleys of life!
Personal Worship Option:
Think for a few moments about a few times you have felt especially close to God. Perhaps it was in a spiritual retreat or an awesome worship service. Give thanks for those times. Perhaps it is time to prepare for another of those experiences. But pray today for you to be God’s servant in the everyday routines of life.
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