Cloud and Fire

February 4

Exodus 13-14

Psalm 18:25-29

Proverbs 4:5-6

Matthew 22:23-46

Cloud and Fire

“And Yahweh was going before them in a pillar of cloud by day to guide them on the way, and in a pillar of fire by night to give them light, that they might go by day and by night.  He did not take the pillar of cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night from before the people.”  Exodus 13:21-22 LSB

God miraculously delivered the Israelites from their slavery in Egypt.  The Egyptians begged them to leave and gave them bountiful provisions for their journey so they did not enter the desert empty-handed.  But in His infinite grace and mercy, He did not free them, give them a map and send them on their way.  I am directionally challenged.  Before cell phones and GPS, I remember well the days of printing off directions and maps before we went on a trip.  If I was going  somewhere completely unfamiliar that I had never been before, I was always a little nervous, especially if I was travelling at night.  MapQuest was good but not always completely up to date. The situation was different if I was travelling with someone who knew where we were going and was familiar with the way.  I didn’t even need a map because they could just tell me where to go.  GPS does that for us today.  We put in an address and a voice gives us turn by turn directions until we reach our destination.  I am confident travelling anywhere if I have GPS guiding me.

            God knew that the Israelites needed step by step instructions all along the way. They didn’t need MapQuest, they needed a guide.  They needed someone to travel with them for 40 years until they were safely in the promised land.  He provided that by giving them a pillar of cloud that went before them in the daytime and a pillar of fire at night.  When the pillar moved, they moved and when the pillar stopped, they stopped.  It never left them for their whole journey.   He provided everything they needed during that time.  He gave them daily food and water, their sandals and clothes didn’t wear out, He protected them from the Egyptians by parting the Red Sea and then from other enemies along the way.  He was faithful to them even when they doubted and were not faithful to Him. 

            Just as the Israelites needed a guide, God knows that we need a guide.  We are weak and cannot figure this life out on our own.  In His love and mercy, He provides us with a guide as well.  He doesn’t save us, give us a list of directions and send us on our way.  He indwells us with the Holy Spirit to walk with us every step of the way leading and guiding us to accomplish His purposes.  Just as He did for the Israelites, He provides for all our needs and protects us from harm.  He never leaves us and is always faithful even when we are not.  “These things I have spoken to you while abiding with you.  But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.” John 14:25-26