God Guides and Protects the People of Israel

God's People Worship
First Things
First Freedom

Beginning of Passover

Exodus 13:17-22

The Message

¹⁷ It so happened that after Pharaoh released the people, God didn’t lead them by the road through the land of the Philistines, which was the shortest route, for God thought, “If the people encounter war, they’ll change their minds and go back to Egypt.”

¹⁸ So God led the people on the wilderness road, looping around to the Red Sea. The Israelites left Egypt in military formation.
¹⁹ Moses took the bones of Joseph with him, for Joseph had made the Israelites solemnly swear to do it, saying, “God will surely hold you accountable, so make sure you bring my bones from here with you.”
^20-22 They moved on from Succoth and then camped at Etham at the edge of the wilderness. God went ahead of them in a Pillar of Cloud during the day to guide them on the way, and at night in a Pillar of Fire to give them light; thus they could travel both day and night. The Pillar of Cloud by day and the Pillar of Fire by night never left the people.

For Reflection

God does that sometimes.  He leads us through the long way.  The long way tempers us, humbles us and makes us more fit to serve Him.  God's way is not always easy but He protects us and shows us that day and night He alone rescues us and makes us fit for freedom.  He shows us that however hard the course of our lives He is there; guiding, nurturing, enriching and protecting. 

Pray

prayers of thanks giving and praise.  Sing songs of God's power in your life.  Pray that all will realize through your faith the compassionate God that leads you into righteousness.