Genesis comes before Exodus and Leviticus for a reason… and the same is true for us. Christianity is not first about behavior. It’s about belief! It’s not first about rules. It’s about relationship with God. Before we can truly live as God’s people, we must know who God is and how He works. That’s why the Bible begins with Genesis.
Protecting life in the womb, loving the disabled, honoring and protecting the elderly were all Biblical issues well before they ever became political ones! Sadly, these issues have become hot topics in the modern-day church, and too many preachers refuse to preach on these Bible passages and make these applications — for fear of losing church members. What is the church supposed to do?
What do you do when you receive life-changing news that you cannot change? Do you get mad, worry, bemoan the loss for weeks or even months on end – or do you accept the difficult news (of which you can do nothing about anyway) and move on through life? Mary has received news that she cannot change but will most certainly change her life drastically.
Songs of triumph after battle were common in the ancient Near East. Kings and warriors would boast of their strength and victory in song; however, this tradition was flipped around in Exodus 15 with a focus solely on Yahweh. This would set the Israelites faith apart (culturally). Israel celebrated Divine power and grace, instead of human strength!
