Summer At Sea: Week 4 Day 1

Exodus 13:17-22

17 When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near. For God said, “Lest the people change their minds when they see war and return to Egypt.” 18 But God led the people around by the way of the wilderness toward the Red Sea. And the people of Israel went up out of the land of Egypt equipped for battle. 19 Moses took the bones of Joseph with him, for Joseph had made the sons of Israel solemnly swear, saying, “God will surely visit you, and you shall carry up my bones with you from here.” 20 And they moved on from Succoth and encamped at Etham, on the edge of the wilderness. 21 And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead them along the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night. 22 The pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night did not depart from before the people.

When the Israelites came out of Egypt, God was preparing everything in an effort to establish His supremacy as God to His people. Looking through this story, God changed directions, not because He was frightened of the Philistines as He knows everyone is under His power, but instead He considered the fickle minds of humanity and decided to protect them from their own ignorance. God also demonstrated His promise keeping in returning the bones of Joseph. Lastly, God displayed Himself in a pillar of cloud and fire. All of this begs the question, why?

Then, just like now, God wants His people to seek, follow, and worship Him. God does miracles so that we may glorify Him. God protects His people so they may share His Word. The reality is God’s plan is superior, even if it seems longer and more complicated; He does everything for the good of those who love Him.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).