April 24, 2016

Valedictorian

Exodus 15:1-18

In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have ­redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling.

—  Exodus 15:13

One of my daughters graduated from high school this past spring. We watched her get her diploma, and we heard the valedictorian speak about what class members had learned in their past four years together. 

Moses plays the role of a valedictorian in our Scripture for today. He summarizes some of what he and Israel have learned from God, and he talks about what lies ahead for them: God has rescued the nation from its terrifying enemy, and God will plant Israel in the land, on the mountain of his inheritance! He ends his speech by exclaiming, “The Lord reigns forever and ever.”

Moses’ speech is an act of worship, an anthem of praise to God, and an encouragement to God’s people. May you be blessed similarly today as you join a community of faith and bring your hearts to God together in worship. May a servant of God also stand before you and proclaim that God, through his Son, Jesus Christ, has thrown down all who oppose him, that in his strength he will guide you to himself, and that he will plant you in the sanctuary he has established. 

May you, in turn, become a valedictorian like that for your family, your friends, and your neighbors. Let them hear what you have learned. Tell others about God’s faithfulness, his goodness, and his love!

You are worthy of praise and thanks and adoration, O Lord! Accept the worship that we bring today, and bless us by your grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

About the author — David Den Haan

Pastor Dave Den Haan has served at Fairway Christian Reformed Church in Jenison, Michigan, since 1999. Previously he served a church in Minnesota. Dave and his wife, Connie, have three children.

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