The Lord went before them

And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so as to go by day and night. He did not take away the pillar of cloud by day or the pillar of fire by night from before the people. – Exodus 13v21-22

Israel was headed out into the great unknown. The bags were packed, the wagons were loaded, all everyting was set for the big move. It would have been an exciting, but also a scary time as they lined up to head out into the wilderness. They and their ancestors had lived in Egypt for over 300 years. Hard work or no at least the place had familiarity, And yet, what might lie beyond Egypt?

They were not going out alone though. ‘The Lord went before them.’ As a mighty powerful pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night His presence led them into the unknown. They had already grumbled and complained about Moses. God knew that more was to come and still He led them on the way.

Though God’s leadership today may not be in a pillar of cloud or a pillar of fire it is no less real. Today we have the Word of God and the leadership of the Holy Spirit in our lives. God never leads His people leaderless or directionless. The only question is whether or not we will follow.