There All Along

Readings: Exodus 15:1-18, Acts 10:34-43, Luke 24:13-35 


Ever been lost? Really, truly lost? Sitting with a map in hand, staring at it and nevertheless remaining lost? I think we've all been there. What a relief when, as we fumble along, we see something that looks familiar or finally matches up on the map we've been staring a hole through for naught. Everything falls back into place, and we once again feel that the world makes a little more sense. We relax a little knowing things are going to be okay. We smile in the fact that our destination was there all along.


Moses and Miriam did lots of relaxing to the point of singing, in Exodus 15:1-18. After being on the receiving end of the growing wickedness of Pharaoh's hardening heart, they took time to truly rejoice in the miracle of God's work in leading them in the first step of successfully escaping Egypt. They witnessed, with their own eyes, the parting of the Red Sea, allowing them to flee the oncoming forces of the warriors, horses, and chariots of the pursuing army. To their awe and amazement they also watched the Sea then return to its bed, thus swallowing up and drowning all their pursuers. Quite definitely something to celebrate! Did Moses casually go about his business leading up to this incredible event? Nope. Not even close. Like the rest of us, he doubted, he worried, he bargained. What he perhaps didn't truly realize until that very moment was that God was with him and the people of Israel...there all along.


In Acts, Peter extends the message that God is truly with us...all of us. "'I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right'" (10:34). We don't need to feel left out from the knowledge that God is hearing our prayers and needs through his son, our Savior...all are served. Peter shares this good news that Christ, although viciously crucified, has arisen and is there with us all...always. All we need do is ask and know that through faith we will receive.


In Luke 24, we read of the memorable walk that two of the disciples took after Christ's crucifixion. The two were deep in discussion when a third joined them. Little did they realize as they told this stranger all the events of Christ's crucifixion and resurrection that they were actually speaking to the risen Christ. "'He said to them, "How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did you not then enter his glory?'" (v.25-26). He was there all along.


When our lives seem like the road map is not working, when we can't read the directions clearly, and we just can't find our way, we need to remember that God and his son, our Savior is with us...always. They are there all along.