Exodus 13

And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night: He took not away the pillar of the cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people.
(Exo 13:21-22)

We mentioned this yesterday, but I would like us to look a little closer at it now. Let’s begin with the cloud:

It LED them – This cloud served the purpose of showing them the way to go. The Lord used it to guide and direct them on their journey. When it moved they would move. When it stopped they would stop. God didn’t free them from Pharaoh and then say, “Alright, you’re on your own”. Nor did He give them a map and a compass, or a GPS and some co-ordinates! He wanted to lead them HIMSELF! The same is true of us. The Lord has given us His Word and His Holy Spirit to guide us in the way we should go. He didn’t leave us alone to figure it out, nor did He give us a copy of the “game plan” and then split; He is here to lead us every step of the way. We need to learn to follow the Lord. To go when He goes, and stop when He stops.
It PROTECTED them – This cloud protected them, it shielded them from the heat of the sun. As long as they followed the Lord, and stayed close to Him, they had protection from the heat and intensity of the day. This is also true of us. As we follow the Lord, He doesn’t remove us from this world, but He does protect us and shield us from its harshest attacks. Even when we are walking through a spiritual dessert, dry and lifeless, we are kept under the shadow of His wings… What a great comfort!

THE PILLAR OF FIRE

It PROVIDED LIGHT for them – This is very important, the pillar of fire chased away the darkness. In the darkness danger can hide, in the darkness people can stumble and fall, in the darkness things can be hidden. The Lord is our Light. We need not fear, for when we are with Him, we are safe… our way is illuminated, the pitfalls revealed, the hidden faults exposed. We dwell in light so that we can live in real fellowship with Him! What a wonderful gift. We do not have to walk in darkness, but are provided with a light!
It PROVIDED HEAT for them – It was a fire… Even in the cold harsh climate of the world, they had warmth, a fire to keep them alive. We have the same thing. This world wants to freeze our love for God, and destroy us with its harsh outlook on life. But we need not fear, for if we stay near the Lord and continue to follow Him, we have the fire of His love to warm our hearts and protect us from the world!

Rejoice in the great provision of the Lord, and as He leads the way, just be faithful to continue to follow!