Exodus 13:17a When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter….
I like routine. I find it very comforting to know what to expect, to know there won’t be any unexpected surprises. After over 400 years in slavery, the Israelites in Egypt were fully ensconced in routine. They knew they weren’t free, but they also knew exactly what to expect from life, what was expected of them, where their food came from, what the punishments were if they stepped out of line, etc. It wasn’t freedom. I’m sure it wasn’t easy, but it was predictable, and comfort can definitely be found in predictability.
Exodus 13:17b …For God said, “If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.”
But God doesn’t want us to just be comfortable. He didn’t send His son so that our lives could merely be predictable. He wants us to know freedom in Him, and freedom in Him can be messy, scary, unpredictable, uncomfortable, complicated. Jesus, Help me.
Exodus 13:18 So God led the people around by the desert road toward the Red Sea. So the Israelites went up out of Egypt ready for battle.
Lord, Thank You for this day, for this scripture, for the reminder that You call us to so much more in life than just comfort and predictably. Thank You that even in the midst of the upheaval You are in control, You are guarding and guiding us, You are our shield and our very great reward. Help us not to be afraid, but even when we are afraid, help our faith and trust in You to always be greater than our fear. Draw us closer. Amen.
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….
Have a blessed day.
My faith, my life, my teaching–it's all a work in progress.