Scripture

And the Lord did not remove the pillar of cloud or the pillar of fire from its place in front of the people.

Observation

The Lord tells Moses that they are to dedicate to the Lord the firstborn of all livestock and the firstborn son of every person. The firstborn donkey can be redeemed with a lamb in its place. Otherwise its neck is to be broken. They must buy back the firstborn sons.

They must celebrate this rescue at the hand of the Lord each year, telling their children the reason for the celebration.

When Pharaoh lets the people go, the Lord does not lead them by the straight route through Philistine territory. If they faced a battle, they would want to return to Egypt. So God leads them by a longer route through the wilderness.

The Lord goes ahead of them as a pillar of cloud in the day and a pillar of fire at night.

Application

The Lord’s presence did not leave the people of God. The pillar of cloud was with them every day. The pillar of fire was with them every night.

That must have been a very encouraging sign to the people. The Lord was always there with them.

We have the same promise today. God is always with us. Jesus said, “I will never leave you until the end of the age.” Not only that, but every believer has the Holy Spirit in them.

What an encouragement that should be to us. God is always with me- ahead, behind, inside. I can never escape from His presence, even if I wanted to.

When we go through times of suffering, distress and darkness, God is with us. He walks with us through the tough times and the good times alike,

How awesome is that!

Prayer

Thank you Lord for this knowledge that you are always with me. When I am tempted to believe that you have abandoned me, please remind me that you are here. Amen.