When Pharaoh’s horses, chariots and horsemen went into the sea, the Lord brought the waters of the sea back over them, but the Israelites walked through the sea on dry ground. 20 Then Miriam the prophet, Aaron’s sister, took a tambourine in her hand, and all the women followed her, with tambourines and dancing. 21 Miriam sang to them:

‘Sing to the Lord,

    for he is highly exalted.

Both horse and driver

    he has hurled into the sea.’

With these words we come full circle; we are back to where we started (1,4). We surely cannot miss the emphasis on what the Lord has done, and He is joyfully praised. Above all, God is the Leader of His people, and He still makes a way “through the sea on dry ground” (19).

But we also have an insight into leadership among the people of God. This human leadership comes under the umbrella of Divine leadership, but it is something to notice (20) If, as someone said, ‘leadership is influence’, well, here is leadership. This influence is not limited to one sex only.

It’s also been said, ‘If you want to know whether or not you’re a leader, look behind you and see if anyone is following!’ Miriam, who is described as “the prophet” (20), had her followers.

Often, it takes just one person to give a lead.

It might be that they do a small thing; even a very simple thing (such as pick up a tambourine). But it’s enough to act as a catalyst, and, who knows, a whole movement may be born.

PRAYER: Lord God, I thank you that in Christ there is neither male nor female.May we all find our God-given place in your church, whether as leaders or followers, and worship you by life and by lip.