Exodus 13:19 Moses took the bones of Joseph with him because Joseph had made the Israelites swear an oath. He had said, “God will surely come to your aid, and then you must carry my bones up with you from this place.”
The Israelites had physical proof that “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” (v21) as they exited Egypt, and yet they still doubted at times, still rebelled, still felt that the Lord was far away.
Exodus 13:20 After leaving Sukkoth they camped at Etham on the edge of the desert.
It’s easy to sink into despair, thinking “if the Israelites had such tangible proof of God and still struggled with faith, what hope do we have?” But the Bible defines faith as “the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). If we had tangible proof of His presence, it wouldn’t be faith.
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, so that they could travel by day or night.
Precious Savior, Psalm 71:14 says, “As for me, I will always have hope…” and my hope is in You alone, my faith is that You are who You say You are–to me, to the world, and for eternity. Help me to see the glimpses of You that surround me every single day. Help me to strengthen my faith in You alone. Amen.
Exodus 13:22 Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people.
Have a blessed day.