It's Sunday night. I'm sitting here, watching a movie about the Exodus, and wondering why all these Israelites have thick British accents, It's just as well. I don't speak Hebrew. But I do identify with the story. It's a tale of redemption...of passing over...of grace. A detailed account of how much God loves and the incredible plan He'd unveil throughout history...His story. A story that calls to me to run to Him as though He's just parted the sea and provided a way when there seemed to be no way...no escaping an enemy that always seems to be hot on my trail...an army of temptations wanting to enslave me, and mock everything I was created to be...pursuing only to kill me, steal me, destroy me. But I was created for the abundant life of Jesus (John 10:10) and if He has set me free I am free indeed (John 8:36). The cross and the nails and the wounds remind me that I'm free...I am so free. Free to love...to laugh...to dance in His presence. A few weeks ago I stood at the edge of the stage shortly after a church event watching a father watching his daughter. A three-year-old was captured by the music that flowed from the sound system and she had found her rhythm...so she danced...as though no one but her and her father were in the room, she danced. I'm sure that in her little three-year-old mind, she was absolutely convinced that her dance was perfect...convinced that her daddy was thoroughly enjoying watching her spin and dip and sway and turn...she was right. I could tell by the look on his face. The smile stretched across his cheeks as she twirled round and round without any inhibition whatsoever. You could tell he dreams of moments like these. He invited her to take a bow, but she had no time. "Watch this daddy." She stated it as though she were about to execute a never-before-attempted dance step. And he clapped as though she really did. No doubt our heavenly Father smiles too...every time his children exercise their freedom that He graciously gives to worship Him...by living and moving and having their being through Him, in His power. Constantly recognizing that He has provided the soundtrack through the story that began before time and led us into a garden...then out of one...took us to the shores of the Red Sea...parted the waters...guided us through times and seasons and chapters all the way to a cross and a borrowed tomb. And when we look inside we find death defeated...Christ risen...and we dance.
