Clouds and Fire

Exodus says that the Lord led the Israelites out of Egypt with a pillar of cloud and a pillar of fire. In fact, it states that he "went ahead of them" to guide them, and neither the cloud nor the fire left its place in front of the people. (Exodus 13:21-22). So often, I find myself searching the skies for that pillar of cloud, only to realize that I'm not satisfied with where that cloud is leading.

Right up to the banks of the Red Sea? You gotta be kidding me.

I probably would have been the first of the Israelites to question the reliability of said pillar of cloud. Aren't clouds easily moved by the wind anyway? Have we just been following a shifty weather pattern?

We must be mistaken. It's either us or the Lord.

On top of that, Pharoah shows up. With all his cronies on horses and chariots. And what does Moses say? "Just stand still." (v. 14)

Right.

It was only at that moment of utter desperation that the Lord made his move. "The pillar of cloud also moved from in front and stood behind them..." Exodus 14:19. Now the cloud made darkness to the one side, and brought light to the other side.

That's great, but how long are we really gonna stay here? It's not the most comfortable of situations to be in, God. Do you realize this?

Then, it takes ALL NIGHT for the seas to part (v. 21). Even once the Israelites were able to cross the sea on dry land, the Egyptians continued to pursue them! Until once and for all, the Lord closed the sea around them.

The Israelite's troubles were far from over, but experienced their first lesson on faith, the Lord's timing, His trustworthiness, and His deliverance.

Until that moment, here we wait at the banks of the Red Sea, eyes on the clouds.

jpm