Exodus 13:17-22 (NRSV)
God leads the way
When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was nearer; for God thought, "If the people face war, they may change their minds and return to Egypt." So God led the people by the roundabout way of the wilderness toward the Red Sea. The Israelites went up out of the land of Egypt prepared for battle. And Moses took with him the bones of Joseph who had required a solemn oath of the Israelites, saying, "God will surely take notice of you, and then you must carry my bones with you from here." They set out from Succoth, and camped at Etham, on the edge of the wilderness. The Lord went in front of them in a pillar of cloud by day, to lead them along the way, and in a pillar of fire by night, to give them light, so that they might travel by day and by night. Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people.
Reflection
There was an easy way to get to the promised land. But doing this would not have permitted God to reveal himself to his people. The journey would be too easy and, being sinful beings, we would believe that we could waltz into the promised land all on our own power. Who needs God anyway? But God was the one that had lead the people out of Egypt. They wouldn't even have had this opportunity if it hadn't been for God.
In addition the people, and all of us for that matter, need to realize the blessing God has provided and believe in God and follow God's command. So we follow God as a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. In this walk with God we demonstrate our allegiance and faith and trust in God as our Savior.
Today, we follow God by following the teachings of Jesus. Jesus is God and the Spirit is God and equips us along that journey. We continue to need the qualities of a humble faith, a sure trust, and an honor for all that Jesus leads us to and through. However in the journey, there will be tough times, persecutions, pain, sorrow along with joy, honor and blessing. It's a mixed bag and it's a wonderful gift. Because through this life as a disciple of Jesus, we have met a leader that reaches out his arms to us and demonstrates the compassion of knowing all the we endure.
What an awesome God! Thanks be to God!
Prayer
Lord, I know of your presence in the stormy clouds and the roar of thunder and the flash of lightening. I follow you in the tough times. And I know of you when I'm in the dark and that great pillar of fire leads my way. And I believe in full trust and faith that one day you will lead us to that promised land. You are my Savior. You are my God. I will follow...today...tomorrow...and forever. --- Amen
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