Read Exodus chapters 7-14
Focus Scripture
Exodus 13: 20-22 (NKJV)
20 So they took their journey from Succoth and camped in Etham at the edge of the wilderness. 21 And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so as to go by day and night. 22 He did not take away the pillar of cloud by day or the pillar of fire by night from before the people.
History
Before God led His people through the wilderness, He had to help them escape their bondage. They were being held captive as slaves in Egypt. It was time for God to save His children. Through the destruction caused by the 10 plagues, God would demonstrate His power to the Israelites. He would show both His children and the Egyptians that He alone was the ONE TRUE GOD! (Exodus chapters 7-12)
Because the Israelites were so important to God, It was vital to God that they SEE His power and LOVE for them before He brought them out of Egypt. He wanted His children to be able to trust Him. The 10 plagues and other Godly signs were Yahweh's way of introducing Himself to His children as being the ONE TRUE GOD!
It is not until later that God commands His children to ONLY worship Him. Don’t you find this incredibly loving? The waiting on God's part demonstrates so much LOVE. God took the time to PROVE Himself to His children BEFORE He asked them to follow Him out of Egypt. Next He waited a little longer before He commanded them to ONLY worship Him. He wanted them to KNOW Him before He gave this command.
Connection to Us
Just as the Israelites were on a journey to their promised land (Canaan), you too are on a journey to our promised land --Heaven. God provided the Israelites with a pillar to lead and protect them. He also provides you with a pillar: The Holy Spirit!
The Israelites' pillar was always standing- always leading and protecting them.
Likewise, the Holy Spirit is always standing and is always ready to lead and protect you. God never left the Israelites alone on the wilderness road; day or night He was there. In the same way, He will never leave you on your wilderness road. He never sleeps. Day or night, He is always there! He walked with them and carried them- He will do the same for you!
The Israelites had to stay alert and FOLLOW His lead. They had to stop when their pillar guide stopped, and move when it moved.
You must do the same! You must intentionally STAY on God's path! You must not walk ahead of God and not lag too far behind God!
Follow God’s lead. He knows where He is going!
