DAILY READING
REFLECTION
Light Brings Safety
by David Thompson
This passage tells of the early wandering in the wilderness of the chosen people of Israel. The passage begins with the Pharaoh granting the long awaited freedom after 400 years in captivity in Egypt. Moses and Aaron brought the Word of the Lord to Pharaoh. Pharaoh didn't listen which caused 10 plagues. The final plague was the worst where all of the first born in Egypt lost their lives. The Israeli people were spared once again. Pharaoh seemed glad to see Israel go.
As a child I always had a nightlight to save me from all of the monsters who lurked just under the bed, in the closet or just outside of the bedroom window. When I got older, I was a counselor at a remote boy scout camp. Nights were not just dark, but with all the trees blocking the sky, it was pitch black. I recall in both stories that when the nightlight burned out, getting to the bathroom or my parents' room was a scary walk in the unknown. Likewise, at the boy scout camp, when I didn't have a light, I would hold my hands out chest high and try to stay on the worn paths. Often I found a bush or a tree to run into and honestly the rustle in the pitch darkness frightened even me, a grown counselor.
The passage summarized the trip around the Red Sea (God knew it was longer, but the best for the Israelites). The passage also explained that they took the bones of Joseph, but what I found most interesting was the Lord guiding the mass of Israelis with a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. This showed the Israelis the safe path to take by day and night.
Have you ever seemed to be in the dark either literally or figuratively by a time of darkness in your life? We all have had down times when the path was unsure and the darkness seemed depressing and scary. However, know that God has the lead and the plan. He will pull you forward out of the lost, seemingly dark and unsafe future. He loves you and will make your paths straight.
PRAYER
Dear Lord,
Thank you for being the light in our lives. We need your help in all situations and pray that you will "never leave us or forsake us." That is a promise from You and You never break your promises. Amen.
This is a wonderful devotion. The pillars of cloud and of fire are significant to me. I love the visual of a cloud of protection and then the pillars of fire to guide and light the path. I will chew on this all day. Thank you.
Amen