Today’s devotion comes from Exodus 13:17-22.
“Now when Pharaoh had let the people go, God did not lead them by the way of the land of the Philistines, even though it was near; for God said, “The people might change their minds when they see war, and return to Egypt.” Hence God led the people around by the way of the wilderness to the Red Sea; and the sons of Israel went up in martial array from the land of Egypt. Moses took the bones of Joseph with him, for he had made the sons of Israel solemnly swear, saying, “God will surely take care of you, and you shall carry my bones from here with you.” Then they set out from Succoth and camped in Etham on the edge of the wilderness. The LORD was going before them in a pillar of cloud by day to lead them on the way, and in a pillar of fire by night to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night. He did not take away the pillar of cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people.” Exodus 13:17-22.
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Today’s Scripture leads us to meditate on how God led Israel and how God likewise leads us.
First, we meditate on how God led Israel the long way from Egypt to Canaan through the wilderness, rather than by the shorter way through the land of the Philistines. “… for God said, “The people might change their minds when they see war, and return to Egypt.” Verse 17.
Likewise, when we experience delays in our progress, we can trust God that He has a good purpose for such delays.
“The steps of a man are established by the LORD,
And He delights in his way.” Psalm 37:23.
“8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go;
I will counsel you with My eye upon you.
9 Do not be as the horse or as the mule which have no understanding,
Whose trappings include bit and bridle to hold them in check,
Otherwise they will not come near to you.” Psalm 32:8-9.
Second, we meditate on how God led Israel in a pillar of cloud by day and in a pillar of fire by night to give them light. “The LORD was going before them in a pillar of cloud by day to lead them on the way, and in a pillar of fire by night to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night.” Verse 21.
Likewise, God leads us, guides us, and goes with us day and night, wherever we go.
“For You are my rock and my fortress;
For Your name’s sake You will lead me and guide me.” Psalm 31:3.
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9.
“7 Where can I go from Your Spirit?
Or where can I flee from Your presence?
8 If I ascend to heaven, You are there;
If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, You are there.
9 If I take the wings of the dawn,
If I dwell in the remotest part of the sea,
10 Even there Your hand will lead me,
And Your right hand will lay hold of me.” Psalm 139:7-10.
Likewise, God gives us the light of His Word to lead us.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet
And a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105.
“2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
And in His law he meditates day and night.
3 He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water,
Which yields its fruit in its season
And its leaf does not wither;
And in whatever he does, he prospers.” Psalm 1:2-3.
Likewise, God gives us the Holy Spirit to guide us in all truth and to teach us and remind us of all things.
“But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come.” John 16:13.
“But the Helper, 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 14:26.
Likewise, God gives us peace.
“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.” John 14:27.
Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions 