Miracles

 B'shalach

Ex. 13:17-17:16

 

Précis: And when Pharaoh “had let them go” (b’shalach), the story of the Exodus from Egypt is almost concluded. Carrying with them the bones of Joseph and the “spoils of Egypt,” Moses leads the Israelites by way of the Red (or Reed) Sea. They cross the sea ahead of Pharaoh’s pursuing army, which subsequently drowns in the returning waters. Moses sings his triumphant Song of the Sea, and Miriam’s song of joy follows. The Israelites begin to murmur against Moses and Aaron because of a lack of food and water. God provides heavenly “manna” to eat and provides water as well. The Shabbat is introduced as a day of rest, even before it appears in the Ten Commandments. In their first battle led by Joshua, against Amalek, the Israelites are successful as long as Moses’ hands remain in the air, and with the help of Aaron and Hur (who support Moses’ arms), they prevail.

 

Ex. 14:5-30 “…Pharaoh and his court had a change of heart about the people and said, ‘What is this we have done, releasing Israel from their service?’ He ordered his chariot and took his men with him…The Egyptians gave chase...and overtook them encamped by the Sea…The Israelites…said to Moses, ‘Why did you take us out of Egypt to die in the wilderness?’...But Moses said to the people, ‘Have no fear…and witness the deliverance from Adonai…’ And Adonai drove back the sea with a strong east wind…and the Israelites went into the sea on dry ground, the waters forming a wall for them on their right and their left… and the waters turned back and covered the chariots and horsemen: Pharaoh’s entire army …”

            We have in these verses one of the most miraculous stories in our tradition. It leads a modern reader to ask, “did this really happen?” I submit that it doesn’t really matter. What does matter is that it has been honored by our tradition for 3,000 years. It forms a link to generation upon generation of ancestors, through terrible times and through wonderful times. Today, we live in a time which Thomas Paine called one which tries men’s souls. He was concerned about the potential for a free democracy. He believed that men of good will could and would eventually prevail.

            Similarly, a tradition which looks to a miracle of a drowned army can also look to a tradition of a miracle of a small group of advocates for freedom against the​-then most powerful Empire in the world. And in looking at both miracles, we can find hope for the future whether or not we believe in the Divinity of these miracles. Miracles are within the grasp of all of us.

      A final note. Some of you, like me, enjoy the wonderful series of novels called the “Outlander” series. In the most recent novel, one of the characters, a lay preacher, says the following:

    “It’s important to hear of great events, of revelations and miracles. These remind us of the greatness of God and His Glory. But most of us...don't live life in situations of great danger.... But each of us is called to live lives in smaller moments; to do kindness, to risk our feelings, to take a chance on someone else, to meet the needs of the people we care for. Because God is everywhere, and lives in all of us. Those small moments are His. And He will make of those small things glory, and let his greatness shine in you.” Amen.