LEGACY OF CELEBRATION
“Sing to the LORD, for He has triumphed gloriously; He has hurled both horse and rider into the sea.”
Exodus 15:21 (NLT)
The book of Exodus recounts the powerful story of how God heard the cries of His oppressed people and freed them from slavery in Egypt. As the Israelites stepped out of captivity, they lifted their voices in a song celebrating the glorious triumph of God. To this day, the Jewish people continue to honor His faithfulness from long ago. Each year at Passover, many Jewish people celebrate through a song called Dayenu, the Hebrew word for it is enough. The song goes something like this:
. . . If He had brought us out from Egypt, and had not carried out judgments against them — Dayenu, it would have been enough!
If He had split the sea for us, and had not taken us through it on dry land — Dayenu, it would have been enough!
If He had taken us through the sea on dry land, and had not drowned our oppressors in it — Dayenu, it would have been enough! . . .
The song continues, tracing the history of God’s people through the acts of faithfulness He continued to provide for them. Each time, repeating the phrase, it would have been enough. This song is stunning, for it taps into something often overlooked—we stand in a legacy of God’s faithfulness.
Each time we celebrate a life change, each time we see a promise fulfilled or a prayer answered, it’s not just the one thing we get to celebrate. We get to celebrate the masterpiece that God is creating through His countless good works. The amazing reality of our lives is that Jesus' sacrifice on the cross alone would have been enough. But He has saved us and more.
It’s not just big answered prayers that change our lives, but everyday kindness. He got you through that tough meeting, made ends meet, kept that old car running, eased your anxiety, and brought the right friend at the right time. Our lives are a rich tapestry of moments of mercy and goodness. God has triumphed gloriously in our lives and keeps doing so. He is worth celebrating!
APPLICATION: Take some time today and think back through your life. Where can you see God’s acts of provision and care? Thank Him for those things.
PRAYER: Jesus, Your death on the cross alone would have been enough, but You are an extravagant God. Thank You for the way You have constantly provided, protected and cared for me. You are worthy of all the praise! Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?