Today’s scripture reading is Exodus 15:1-21.
Then Moses and the Israelites sang this song to the Lord… -Exodus 15:1 NRSV
Kenny Chesney’s song, “I Go Back,” was on the radio when I got into my car earlier this week. Perhaps you’re not a country music fan and aren’t familiar with the lyrics. Basically, he’s describing how certain songs take us back in time. We’re reminded of where we were or who we were with or what we were doing.
When I hear “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” I go back to the very first solo I sang at the church of my childhood. When I hear “Lost in Love” by New Edition, I go back to the night I experienced my very first kiss. When I hear Guns N’ Roses’ “Welcome to the Jungle,” I go back to my senior talent show when I adorned spandex pants and did my best Axl Rose impersonation. When I hear, “Hold Me Jesus” by Rich Mullins, I go back to my days as a summer camp counselor at Epworth by the Sea on St. Simon’s Island, Georgia. When I hear Thomas Rhett’s “Blessed,” I go back to slow-dancing with my wife, Hillary, on our wedding night.
What songs take you back? I suspect you’re headed there right now.
In our scripture lesson today, Moses and the Israelites sing a song. In the moment, it’s a song of who God is to them and what God has done for them: God had just saved them from the pursuing Egyptian army. But I’m guessing that this song would forevermore be a part of the soundtrack of their lives. Whenever they heard it, they’d go back to that triumphant day.
Not all songs take us back to a happy place. But I pray that God will use one or more songs to take you back there today.
