This Amazing American Moment: Celebration of a New Era

The book of Exodus describes the history of God’s chosen people Israel, an enslaved people, whom God set free from Pharaoh’s captivity.  Moses spoke truth to power and Israel was delivered.  The people of Israel were moving onward and upward, as the Lord had made a “way out of no way” for them. They were delivered from the tyranny of Pharaoh, thank the Lord.  Once they came through the Red Sea, Moses led a song of praise.  Miriam picked up a tambourine and proceeded to dance.  The men and women began to corporately worship a Holy God who had brought them out.  They had a reason to praise the Lord.

Wednesday, January 20, 2021, we witnessed the changing of the guard as a new leadership took their places in history.  Certainly, all of America and foreign lands, looked on the peaceful transfer of power in the United States during this time.  The first woman, a woman of color, took her place in history as the new Vice President.

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Vice President Kamala Harris has broken the glass ceiling.  She is an example to an entire generation of women of what can be.  So many have been bloodied and beaten for us to come to this moment.  It is a time for us to give God thanks!  Our nation has begun another chapter, and we celebrate this new era.  We ask the presence, power, and peace of God Almighty to be in this very historic moment. Yes, even this new era.

To be sure, we have some difficult days ahead.  Nevertheless, let us pause, and give God thanks and praise for this moment in time.  Frankly, for all races, it has been a challenging four years.  These last eleven months, particularly, have been traumatizing. We have watched the COVID pandemic rise, the economy crumble, and George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, among others, be murdered. Yet, we have come over a way that with tears have been watered.  Sadly, the racial divide in this country has grown wider. We must press on, by faith, expecting brighter days ahead.  The Israelites came through on dry land, while all of Pharaoh’s army were drowned in the Red Sea, never to be seen again.  I want to underscore, that the Egyptians you see today, you will see no more, forever (Exodus 14:13).  You will defeat and escape those who have enslaved you.  You will escape their anger. You will escape the tyranny.  By faith in God Almighty, we will overcome.  God will make a way out of no way and we will be delivered on the other side. There were many more enemies the Israelites would encounter and contend with, to overcome them on their way to the Promised Land.  This was the beginning of a journey.

Another Red Sea has been parted and a victory gained. One can feel a fresh change blowing in the wind.  Whatever side you are on politically, we all want our nation to be strong, just, and fair.  Let us all pray to this end: “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray, and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land (2 Chronicles 7:14).  Right now, in this season, let’s give God praise for victory.  Let’s give God praise for answered prayer.  Let’s give God praise for carrying us over and through the Red Sea.  Let’s give God raise for the beginning of a new journey to the promised land. Yes, there shall be glory after this!!

Dr. Hilliard

January 29, 2021