Exodus 15:22-27

Standing on the banks of the Red Sea was a momentous occasion for the Israelites. They had been saved from 430 years of slavery. God had graciously exercised his mighty power through a series of plagues and supernatural signs to liberate them.  They had been baptized into Moses in the Red Sea. Now, following Moses’ song of praise, all Israel began to sing and dance.

Exodus 16:1-36

The way through the wilderness was planned by God. His cloud by day and pillar by night was the GPS system given to the people of God. These two guidance devices supplemented the personal knowing, seeing, hearing, and covenant keeping qualities of the LORD.  If that were not enough, there were times when He showed his glory in the clouds and revealed his law in words spoken to Moses. All of this was the LORD’s way of assuring the Israelites: “I’ve got this.”

Exodus 17:1-7

Stage three in the pilgrimage of the congregation of the people of Israel took them from the wilderness of Sin to a camp called Rephidim. The name of that destination sounded promising – Resting Place. But upon arrival, the people discovered there was no water to drink.

Exodus 17:8-16

Do you remember your first battle? Who picked the fight? Who threw the first punch? Who won? After I was involved in an incident which included an unfortunate racial comment and response, I had to put up or shut up. So, we met outside of the school building after school and went at it. It was shortly after that seventh-grade tussle that I was introduced to wrestling in Phys Ed. That became a much more positive outlet for me, and lasted for more than ten years.

Exodus 18:1-27

Edith Schaeffer’s What is a Family? is a classic presentation of the meaning of family. In her first chapter she describes a family as “the most versatile, ever-changing mobile that exists”. “It is a moving, changing collection of objects constantly in motion, yet within the framework of a form.” (p. 18)  Moses too was part of an ever-changing family mobile. We are not told all the details, but we can at least reflect on some of the dynamics.