Celebrate God’s Work :: Exodus 15:19-21

Few things bring out a person’s intensity like favorite sports teams. Fans paint their faces and camp out in parking lots before “the big game.” They shout fight songs at the top of their lungs and jump up and down on rickety bleachers. If their team wins, it’s thanks to athletic prowess. But if they lose, it’s the referees’ fault—always.

Who doesn’t like to win, or cheer for the winning team? If you’re a sports fan, you know very little in life is more satisfying than celebrating a victory. Sadly, we often feel more enthusiasm and excitement when our team beats its rival than when we worship God. We spend Saturday evenings cheering in the stands and Sunday mornings yawning in the pews. Where does the disconnect come from?

For starters, we must remember that a win on the playing field is a mere shadow of true victory, which comes from God alone. In Exodus 15:19-21, Miriam was so overcome with excitement about God’s miraculous work in their Red Sea crossing that she couldn’t stop herself from celebrating. As her joy spilled out, it was infectious (as joy often is), and a mass worship service ensued. The Israelites weren’t afraid to let loose when they celebrated God’s mighty work. They had tasted victory, and they acted like it.

We didn’t cross the Red Sea with the Israelites, but we also have victory in God that’s worth celebrating. In one fell swoop, Jesus conquered sin and death. And through Him, we can be victorious over both. Now that’s something to get excited about! Don’t be afraid to worship God with abandon—letting joy, praise, and excitement get the best of you. If you’ve truly tasted victory, you can’t help but celebrate.