The Exodus Journey
Barbara Carter, Council of Twelve Apostles
Thus the Lord saved Israel that day from the Egyptians; and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore. Israel saw the great work that the Lord did against the Egyptians. So the people feared the Lord and believed in the Lord and in his servant Moses. -Exodus 14:30-31
I grew up only blocks from the Pacific Ocean. I could hear the roar of the waves and smell the salty air from my room. Some nights I would listen to the repetitive crashing of the water and allow myself to fall asleep to the rhythmic sound. Much of my spiritual formation is shaped by the steadfastness of this vast presence in my life.
As a child I had a recurring stress dream about a large wave, 30-40 feet tall, chasing my family as we drove along a beach road. There was overwhelming fear that the wall of water would crash down and engulf us. The dream would end as we drove up a hill at the end of the road. We always outran the water. The wave never touched us.
My experience influences how I envision the Israelites standing on the edge of the Red Sea and Moses telling them to cross to the other side. I can frame this story in light of the nightmares of a child, or I can claim the steadfastness which points me to God’s chesed love (Hebrew for foundational, inclusive, expansive). The Israelites stood on the edge of their unknown future where fear and trepidation could overwhelm them, but they stepped forward and discovered a new future with God.
When we recognize God calling us into something new, we experience the exodus journey. We take steps away from what is known toward an experiment with God and each other.
Prayer Phrase
Help us see beyond our dark places and find our way closer to your loving light.
Spiritual Practice
Healing for Broken Spirits
Begin with quiet prayer. Ask God to help you detect some “sore places” in the body of Christ and God’s creation. Become aware of people who feel separated, wounded, or left out. Reflect on or write a short journal entry of healing words to at least one person who comes to mind. Ask God for words that will touch this person’s broken spirit like healing ointment. Keep this person in your heart and prayers today and act on any ideas that come to bring blessing and wholeness.
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.
