And Then She Danced

Miriam took the role of big sister seriously, knowing that her little brother's life was in grave danger. It was only a matter of time that he would be killed by Pharaoh's edict demanding that every son born to the Hebrews must be drowned in the Nile. 

Her mother Jochebed pleaded with God to protect her son after she could no longer hide him. Relying on her unwavering trust in Him, she cried out, "El Roi, You are the God who sees. Watch over him, I pray. Let no harm come to this precious child."

Tears streamed down Miriam's cheeks as her mother placed the three month old infant into a papyrus basket and sent it drifting down the river. Her older brother Aaron quietly put his arm around her and pulled her close. 

"Follow it, Miriam," her mother urged. The basket-cradle rocked gently until it arrived before the daughter of Pharaoh. Peering through the reeds, Miriam was filled with relief to see the beautiful young woman pull the tiny Hebrew baby out of the basket and hold him tightly against her chest. "The gods have given me a son!" she exclaimed. "I will name him Moses because he was drawn out of the water."

Little did Miriam know that her baby brother would be chosen to deliver God's people from the cruel bondage of slavery in Egypt, under Pharaoh who was still determined to annihilate them. She had already witnessed many miracles. Now her people were backed up against the Red Sea, being pursued by Egypt's iron chariots. She watched as Moses stood before millions shouting, "Don't be afraid. Just stand still and watch the LORD rescue you today!" Always by his side, big brother Aaron was his spokesman and she was his cheerleader.

God divided the Sea before their very eyes and led them through on dry ground as a shepherd leads his flock. Once again, Miriam's heart rejoiced over the faithfulness of God. Taking a timbrel in her hand; all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances. (Exodus 15:20-21).

Because we also have been set free from bondage by the hand of God - let us dance like Miriam!

Miriam and Baby Moses

Comments

  1. John M. PadillaJuly 13, 2023 at 11:53 PM

    “Nothing happens if, at the shore of the Red Sea, Moses doesn’t show up and put his toes in the water. If he doesn’t display just that kernel of faith, God doesn’t part the waters. The Hebrew people do not cross on dry land.

    “Often times, all God wants from us is to just show up. If we’ll just show up, that mustard seed sized faith is more than enough for God to say, ‘I can work with that.’”

    -- Ben Foote
    Teaching Pastor
    Flatirons Community Church

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