Exodus 13:17-14:31
Today's passage presented The Exodus; the flight of the Israelites from Egypt as orchestrated by God. As the Israelites were packing their bags and collecting the riches of the Egyptians, they were so overjoyed to finally be leaving their place of bondage. I imagine they moved hurriedly with some anxiety, but mostly joy and excitement. The deliverance they had long-since been promised had finally arrived. They probably knew there was a shorter way to get to their promised land than the route on which they were led, but God made his presence known through a pillar of cloud in the day and a pillar of fire at night, so they were fine. They would be fine in the wilderness...they were finally free!
I would like to pause here for a moment to reflect on one point that I have heard before and learned well, but never really paid attention to until today. God led them by a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night (13:20). Really!? What must that have been like? I know things have changed significantly in the thousands of years between this event and today, but my goodness. I'm awestruck when God manifests himself in a close parking space when I'm late for work! Can you imagine the wonder of this theophany?! The pillars must have been of great magnitude to be visible to all the children of Israel being led by them (around two million by some estimations). At the same time, they must have been some distance away to keep them moving in the right direction and protect them from being exposed to the full power of God's glory - a fatal force. And the Hebrews followed, albeit as instructed, as though it was perfectly normal; a small thing! But, I digress...
The Hebrews were freed from slavery in Egypt and God was leading them through the wilderness to their Promised Land - awesome, awesome and awesome. And then came Pharaoh and his army. Not having had enough with the ten plagues and suddenly faced with the problem of replacing his free labor, Pharaoh decided the Israelites needed to come back. Somehow, he was made aware that they were traveling through the wilderness anyway; surely recapturing them would be a cinch. But God. The army charged closer and closer, pressing the Hebrews against the Red Sea. Here's the kicker (not the climax, but still interesting): the pillar, i.e. God, moved from in front of the Hebrews to behind them, shielding them from Egyptians and yet they still succumbed to fear and doubt.
Why is that? Why is it that when God is making his presence and interaction in our lives perfectly clear, we still question him? Is it that we don't believe he can handle our situation? Or maybe we know that he can, we're just not quite sure he will. Whatever the reason, there is really no need for doubt when it comes to God (talking to myself). It takes but a quick review of recent events to remind ourselves how good God is and how his grace is always sufficient. But they grumbled and complained to Moses; blamed him for their "demise". So Moses prayed. It's a noble response; something I might do myself in a tough situation. But God didn't see it that way this time. He had already given Moses all the instruction and tools he needed to handle this, so he told him to put his faith to work (14:15-16).
God asking his child why he is praying seems wrong at first glance, but there was a point to the question. Praying for help is good and right, but when God provides and we continue to pray for his provision, then we are operating in doubt or denial. When we seek God's help, we have to be ready for his assistance. It may not look like what we wanted or expected, but God knows best what we truly need. Once Moses got that reminder, he lifted his rod, God parted the sea and the Hebrews crossed safely and watched the Egyptians drown as God closed it up again.
My prayer today is that my faith be strong enough to cast our fear and doubt. That my actions be evidence of that faith and that the two build upon each other...greater faith to yield greater works. Lord, help me to see that you are always with me, no matter my situation, and I can always depend on you for guidance and protection. Thank you for your love and wisdom. Thank you for your mercy and grace. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Today's passage presented The Exodus; the flight of the Israelites from Egypt as orchestrated by God. As the Israelites were packing their bags and collecting the riches of the Egyptians, they were so overjoyed to finally be leaving their place of bondage. I imagine they moved hurriedly with some anxiety, but mostly joy and excitement. The deliverance they had long-since been promised had finally arrived. They probably knew there was a shorter way to get to their promised land than the route on which they were led, but God made his presence known through a pillar of cloud in the day and a pillar of fire at night, so they were fine. They would be fine in the wilderness...they were finally free!
I would like to pause here for a moment to reflect on one point that I have heard before and learned well, but never really paid attention to until today. God led them by a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night (13:20). Really!? What must that have been like? I know things have changed significantly in the thousands of years between this event and today, but my goodness. I'm awestruck when God manifests himself in a close parking space when I'm late for work! Can you imagine the wonder of this theophany?! The pillars must have been of great magnitude to be visible to all the children of Israel being led by them (around two million by some estimations). At the same time, they must have been some distance away to keep them moving in the right direction and protect them from being exposed to the full power of God's glory - a fatal force. And the Hebrews followed, albeit as instructed, as though it was perfectly normal; a small thing! But, I digress...
The Hebrews were freed from slavery in Egypt and God was leading them through the wilderness to their Promised Land - awesome, awesome and awesome. And then came Pharaoh and his army. Not having had enough with the ten plagues and suddenly faced with the problem of replacing his free labor, Pharaoh decided the Israelites needed to come back. Somehow, he was made aware that they were traveling through the wilderness anyway; surely recapturing them would be a cinch. But God. The army charged closer and closer, pressing the Hebrews against the Red Sea. Here's the kicker (not the climax, but still interesting): the pillar, i.e. God, moved from in front of the Hebrews to behind them, shielding them from Egyptians and yet they still succumbed to fear and doubt.
Why is that? Why is it that when God is making his presence and interaction in our lives perfectly clear, we still question him? Is it that we don't believe he can handle our situation? Or maybe we know that he can, we're just not quite sure he will. Whatever the reason, there is really no need for doubt when it comes to God (talking to myself). It takes but a quick review of recent events to remind ourselves how good God is and how his grace is always sufficient. But they grumbled and complained to Moses; blamed him for their "demise". So Moses prayed. It's a noble response; something I might do myself in a tough situation. But God didn't see it that way this time. He had already given Moses all the instruction and tools he needed to handle this, so he told him to put his faith to work (14:15-16).
God asking his child why he is praying seems wrong at first glance, but there was a point to the question. Praying for help is good and right, but when God provides and we continue to pray for his provision, then we are operating in doubt or denial. When we seek God's help, we have to be ready for his assistance. It may not look like what we wanted or expected, but God knows best what we truly need. Once Moses got that reminder, he lifted his rod, God parted the sea and the Hebrews crossed safely and watched the Egyptians drown as God closed it up again.
My prayer today is that my faith be strong enough to cast our fear and doubt. That my actions be evidence of that faith and that the two build upon each other...greater faith to yield greater works. Lord, help me to see that you are always with me, no matter my situation, and I can always depend on you for guidance and protection. Thank you for your love and wisdom. Thank you for your mercy and grace. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
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