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Read Exodus 14:19-31. This is a story with many layers. The wind blowing over the waters to create a path to freedom brings to mind the opening verses of Genesis, where we hear of the breath of God blowing over the face of the waters. This hints that in delivering Israel from slavery into freedom, God was making a new creation; of creating order from chaos once again. Up to this point, God has been leading the Israelites, but here, God’s role shifts as the angel moves from the front to bringing up the rear, offering protection as the Israelites now take the final, terrifying step towards freedom. 

When we are seeking freedom in our lives, whether it is freedom from fear, anxiety, self-doubt, unhealthy relationships, unhealthy habits, materialism, debt, etc., we sometimes wonder why God doesn’t make it any easier. Could it be that God has led us to this place and now protects us as we take the first, furtive step onto the path to freedom? From what do you need to be delivered? How has God led you to this place and what decisions must you make before you walk between the waves? What tools will you use when you feel overwhelmed and are tempted to turn back? 

In prayer, ask God for the wisdom to know what it is that keeps you in chains, for the humility to follow God’s lead, and for the courage to take steps towards freedom.

Read Exodus 15:1b-11, 20-21. The song of Moses is one of hundreds of songs in the bible. Miriam has a song, Mary has a song, Zechariah and the angels at Jesus’ birth have songs. Many of the Psalms were originally songs sung in worship. The Song of Solomon is a whole book of songs, and Isaiah has many songs in it as well. Music has an ability to connect important themes or moments to our soul. A birthday just isn’t the same without being sung to. 

What songs or hymns are important to you? What makes those songs important? Are there songs that enhance your faith? 

Say a prayer giving thanks for the beauty and power of music in your life.

Read Romans 14:1-12. In this passage about judging others, verse 2 always makes me smile when Paul says “the weak” only eat vegetables. This serves as a reminder that the biblical authors were anointed, yes, but still real people who were shaped by their upbringing and by the cultural norms of their day. Even when he was writing about not judging others, Paul was judging others. We all struggle with this. For me, when I am judging others, it usually comes back to either my own insecurity or my failure: my failure to listen, my failure to learn, or my failure to love. 

How can we do a better job of understanding the source of our judgment and how can we do a better job of understanding what has led a person to behave or believe in a certain way? How could understanding a person’s motivating factors help us to love them better? Think of an individual or a group of people you are tempted to judge. What might motivate them to behave or believe in a certain way? How might considering this affect the way you see and respond to them? 

Offer a prayer of blessing for this person or group of people.

Read Matthew 18:21-35. As Christians, part of our calling is to reflect the nature of God to the world. In today’s text, Jesus is calling on us to show the same generous spirit of forgiveness that God has lavished upon us. 

Have you ever been forgiven of a large debt or of wrong behavior? How did that make you feel to receive that kind of forgiveness? Imagine a weight sitting on your shoulders. Feel the tension in your back as you carry that weight. What does it feel like to have someone help you remove the weight? That is what Christ does for us daily. 

Think of someone to whom you can offer the same kind of forgiveness that you have received from God.