The drama of the escape from Egypt starts in chapter 2. God’s people called out to Him, and He saw their needs.
Their cry for help rose up to God from their slavery. God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
God looked upon the Israelites, and God took notice of them (Exodus 2.24-25).
The trip from point A to B was short for the Hebrew children. Still, God guided them on a different path.
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 bordering the Red Sea. The Israelites went up out of the land of Egypt prepared for battle (Exodus 13-17-18).
The Hebrews might not have known about the Philistines, but God did. That’s why he led them on the path they took.
What does God understand about our lives that we don’t? How can we have faith in Him when He guides us on a path different from what we think is right?
The reality is, we trust those with whom we have a relationship. A strong bond with God allows us to believe in Him, even when His guidance seems unclear.
To have a closer relationship with God, we need three things. First is prayer, where we talk to God. Second is reading the Bible, which lets us hear from him. Third is obedience, by following what God tells us to do.
400 Years Later
Four centuries before the Exodus, Joseph wished for his bones to be taken back with God’s people to the promised land.
As God’s people were rushing out of Egypt, they did something important. They paused to collect his bones, keeping their promise to Joseph.
And Moses took with him the bones of Joseph, who had required a solemn oath of the Israelites, saying, “God will surely come to you, and then you must carry my bones with you from here” (Exodus 13.19).
The Presence of the Lord
God showed His presence to the Hebrews through a pillar of fire and a cloud.
The pillar, a cloud by day and fire at night, was big enough to shield Israel from harsh heat. It also served as a clear sign of Jehovah’s presence among them.
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 (Exodus 13.20-22).
Let’s examine this pillar closely. It symbolizes God’s presence among the people.
Here are some important Bible verses that talk about God’s presence in the Old Testament.
The angel of God who was going before the Israelite army moved and went behind them, and the pillar of cloud moved from in front of them and took its place behind them (Exodus 14:19).
Bible experts describe the Angel of the Lord as the second person of the Trinity, known to us as Jesus, before he was born on earth.
The angel of the Lord plays a key role in winning the land.
“I am going to send an angel in front of you, to guard you on the way and to bring you to the place that I have prepared. Be attentive to him and listen to his voice; do not rebel against him . . .
“But if you listen attentively to his voice and do all that I say, then I will be an enemy to your enemies and a foe to your foes.
“When my angel goes in front of you . . . (Exodus 23:20-23)
Whether it’s a pillar of fire, a cloud, or God’s messenger, it is always the Lord’s presence.
It was no messenger or angel
but his presence that saved them;
in his love and pity it was he who redeemed them;
he lifted them up and carried them all the days of old. (Isaiah 68.9)
God gave clear guidance and direction to the Hebrew children. God’s guidance in our lives is different from the pillar of fire and cloud. But, He still leads us.
The question is how can we actively follow God’s leading and stay focused on His presence in our daily lives, regardless of the circumstances or challenges we may face?
Here are a few suggestions.
(1) Set aside a specific time each day for prayer, meditation, and reflection. This dedicated time allows us to connect with God, listen for His guidance, and strengthen our awareness of his presence.
(2) Seek guidance through Scripture: By immersing ourselves in the Scriptures, we can gain insight into God’s will and learn how to apply his principles to our daily lives.
(3) Engage in acts of service and compassion: One way to actively follow God’s leading is to embody his teachings by serving others and showing compassion.
(4) Attend church services: Being part of a church community can provide encouragement, accountability, and a sense of belonging as we stay focused on God’s presence and direction.
(5) Practice gratitude and surrender: We shouldn’t copy the Hebrews who saw God’s miracles but still complained fast in the wilderness.
Feeling thankful and surrendering to God’s guidance can truly improve our inside condition.
YouTube Video
Rudy Ross, Whispering Danny and I discuss this passage on YouTube today. It is on the Bob Spradling channel.
Real Voices 