Can We Sing the Song of Moses?
I often wonder in the story of the children of Israel being led by Moses out of captivity. We read much about the forgetfulness after witnessing the miracle of the parting of the Red Sea. We read about how fear can obscure our faith. We read about them wanting to turn back, to go back into captivity, because it’s what they know.1 We read about the ingratitude for the Manna from Heaven2, the idols that came later, and the refusal to look at the bronze serpent to be healed from the poisonous snakes that bit and flew about.3
It makes me wonder… what of the faithful ones? We don’t read about them… but I have to believe they were there! What of the ones who couldn’t contain their gratitude as they walked on dry land amid a parted sea? Whose hearts leapt with joy and adrenaline as they gazed up at the towering ocean waters above? Who talked about it to their progeny and marveled at the miracle of it for years to come?
What of the ones who prayed for food, and ate the manna as tears of rejoicing came down their dirt washed cheeks? How that night, bellies full, and prayers full of joy and thanksgiving… how they vowed to forever after share of their substance with those in need?
And what of the mothers… who taught their little ones to look upon the staff? To not fear… to follow instructions faithfully, and with exactness… casting their nightmares of flying serpents skyward, where the cure lay waiting, without doubt… where the little ones learned they could both trust in God AND in their Mothers?
Can we sing The Song of Moses, even amid trials? Even when we face defeat? Even when our expectations are not met? Even when the healing doesn’t come and the battle keeps raging on? Can we still cling to the precious pearls that are the love of God and the fruits of our obedience? Can we still sing,
2 The Lord is my strength and song; and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father’s God, and I will exalt him.
11 Who is like unto thee, O Lord, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders.”4
I can see a great many blessings came to those who believed God could be trusted through the wilderness. A great many blessings for those who were obedient and resisted the temptation to murmur even when the walk was hard. Their journeys sweeter… their trials grew them and strengthened them and their families…their burdens lifted by the One who has said,
28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.5
It’s easy to get caught up in the struggles. I do it all the time. Where’s my manna? Where's my miracle in this problem? Why won’t this mountain move? When will this bitter be turned sweet? Why won’t the seas part for me? Where’s my honey in the rock?6 Where is God in my wilderness places? “He’s showing up late!” I think all of these things, in the arrogance of my mortal frame.
But then sometimes the veil parts for me and heaven gives me a glimpse of my reality from an eternal perspective. This is when the gift of the Atonement feels SO big that the knees of my heart give out and buckle in sheer awe. If there were nothing more to God’s goodness… if all that existed for me was the Atonement, it would be infinitely more than enough. It’s already so much more than what I deserve. I realize this… and I start to sing the song of Moses. As I sing, 21 Sing ye to the Lord, for He hath triumphed gloriously7 I spot the treasures in the sand that God has left for me to find- gifts upon gifts. Miracles, the gift of the Holy Ghost, and levels in heaven with ineffable glory, eternal families, exalting grace (the grace to Become), the word of God, temples, and covenants that bring blessings beyond description into my and my family’s life.
O God, I pray… let me sing the song of Redeeming love for all of my days.
Read Two of my most favorite books about the Savior’s Atonement are “Considering the Cross” by John Hilton III and “The Infinite Atonement” by Tad R. Callister As we prepare for Easter this week, read Isaiah 25:8, Matthew 27:57-60 and Mark 15:27-28
Recall Think about what the Savior’s infinite atonement has meant for you personally-think about the times when this saving grace has provided healing.
Reflect Take a moment and try to imagine just how much the Savior must love you to have Atoned for you- pray for a moment to get a glimpse of how huge His love is for you.
Reclaim Write your own “Song of Moses” to the Lord you love so much.
Exodus 14: 12
Numbers 11:1
Numbers 21: 4-9
Exodus 15:2, 11
Matthew 11 28, 30
Psalm 81:16
Exodus 15:21