Slices
Prepare
How have you experienced God’s guidance in your life? Have there been any completely unexpected occasions that really surprised you? Give thanks for the way he has led you.
Bible passage
Crossing the sea
17 When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, ‘If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.’ 18 So God led the people around by the desert road towards the Red Sea.[a] The Israelites went up out of Egypt ready for battle.
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.’
20 After leaving Sukkoth they camped at Etham on the edge of the desert. 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. 22 Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people.
Explore
Despite the Israelites being ready in case of opposition (v 18), God shows great care for his people in the way he led them. He knows what they could cope with and what might be too much for them. So although the route is longer, he takes them towards the Red (or Reed) Sea. And he enables travel at any time of day or night. Imagine the feelings of the Israelites as they saw the pillar of cloud or the pillar of fire, signifying the Lord’s presence with them, going ahead. Imagine how, after so long crying out to God for deliverance (Exodus 2:23–25), the whole experience of God in action – through the plagues, the Passover and now the journey away from Egypt – has affected them. I wonder what it made them think about God himself.
There’s a hint in there – ‘they might change their minds’ (v 17) – about the fickleness of God’s people, which we’ll see more of in the readings to come. But for now, there’s no choice about which way to go – it’s plainly obvious. They’re going God’s way.
Respond
Guidance from the Lord comes in so many ways. Sometimes, it might well be spectacular. More often, it’s not. What’s certain is that he will guide us. Bring to God today whatever you need him to guide you in.
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Jeremiah 17,18; John 7
Pray for Scripture Union
Please ask God to encourage more young Christians to become young volunteer leaders with SU and learn new skills that will enable them to share his good news. (This week's prayers relate to this article.)
