9th June 2026

The scene at the Red Sea is one of the most joyful moments in the Old Testament. Israel had just experienced God’s miraculous deliverance from slavery in Egypt. Earlier, they had been seized with fear, panic, and helplessness, as they stood trapped between Pharaoh’s advancing army and the waters of the sea, yet God intervened with mighty power, opening the sea and leading his people safely through on dry ground. When the danger had passed and Israel witnessed the destruction of the Egyptian army, the people erupted in praise. At the centre of this celebration stood Miriam.

With tambourine in hand, Miriam led the women of Israel in worship, singing and dancing before the Lord. Her song was not merely emotional excitement after a dramatic event. It was a declaration that salvation belongs to God. Miriam understood something profoundly important: worship begins with God’s grace. Worship is always a response to what God has already done. It flows out of gratitude because God has acted first, in love, mercy, and salvation. 

This truth is beautifully reflected in Miriam’s song. Israel did not rescue itself from Egypt; the people were powerless slaves. God heard their cries, remembered his covenant, and acted in faithfulness. Every step of deliverance was initiated by divine grace. Miriam’s worship therefore centred entirely on God: ‘Sing to the Lord, for he is highly exalted’ (Exodus 15:21). Miriam did not glorify Israel’s courage, Moses’ leadership, or human strength; the focus was completely on the Lord and his saving action. This remains true for Christian worship today. All authentic worship is centred on Jesus Christ. Jesus is both the revelation of God’s grace and humanity’s perfect response to the Father. Through his life, death, resurrection, and ascension, Jesus has reconciled humanity to God. Because of him, believers are welcomed into the communion shared by the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This means worship is not an attempt to persuade God to love us, rather we worship because in Christ, the Father has already embraced us.

Like Miriam, standing safely on the far side of the Red Sea, Christians worship from the place of deliverance. We praise because Christ has conquered sin and death. We worship because grace has already been given. We sing because God has already acted. Miriam’s song at the Red Sea continues to speak to believers today. There are moments in life when fear seems overwhelming, when circumstances appear impossible, and when we wonder whether God sees or cares. Yet the God who delivered Israel remains faithful. In Jesus, God has already acted decisively for humanity’s salvation, and so Christians can live lives marked by praise.

Authentic worship then flows from gratitude for God’s grace. Miriam celebrated what God had done, not what Israel had achieved. Christian worship today celebrates what God has done in Jesus, and joins the worship of Jesus himself, who eternally glorifies the Father in the communion of the Holy Spirit. Like Miriam, we are invited to take up the song of grace.

Local congregation:
Grace Communion West Hampstead 
Sidings Community Centre
150 Brassey Road
West Hampstead
London
NW6 2BA

Meeting time:
Sunday 12.30 pm

Local congregational contact:
Gordon Brown
gordon.brown@gracecom.church

Word of Life contact:  
wordoflife@gracecom.church