God leads his people

  READ: Exodus 13, 14; Psalm 32; Matthew 16:13-28.

SCRIPTURE: Exodus 13: 21 By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night. 22 Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people.

OBSERVATION: Finally, in a dramatic way, the Israelites left Egypt and started their journey to Canaan, the promised land. Instead of taking the short and direct route, God led them to a desert route (Ex.13:17,18). However, from the start  of their new journey, with the pillar of cloud and the pillar of fire, God assured them of his presence and guidance. With God's presence and guidance, the people of God were able to "travel by day or night." With the pillar of cloud, they had an assurance that God was going before them and received guidance. Because of the pillar of fire by night, they had no darkness but light. However, when the Egyptians changed their heart and pursued the Israelites, the same pillar of cloud that gave guidance to the Israelites  "brought darkness" to the Egyptians (Ex.14:19,20). Eventually, God made the Israelites to pass through the Red sea as if they walked in a dry ground. On the other hand, all the Egyptians were drowned in the sea. This is a familiar Old testament narrative that reminds us that "do not be afraid" of your situation, but "stand firm" in the Lord. "The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you" (Ex.14:13,14). 

APPLICATION: When God gives me a direction to walk in a particular way or to do anything, I can be assured of God's presence, guidance and protection through out my journey. As long as I walk in God's light and guidance, I do not need to fear for anything. I know that the one who is in me and with me is greater than the one who is in the world. 

PRAYER:  Father God, thank you for reminding us that you always guide your people and fight with their enemies.  Lord, you know the way I take. Help me to walk in your guidance and light. Amen.

- Arputharaj Samuel
+91 9538328573
1 February 2021