Day or Night
Today’s scripture selection: Exodus 13-16
Key verses: Exodus 13:21-22
One of the dramatic elements of the exodus story that I have always loved is that of the “pillar of cloud” and “pillar of fire”.
In this way the people who were being freed from slavery could travel with guidance by day – or night.
Isn’t that the way we all travel from bondage to something?
Sometimes we can see pretty clearly – but it is still reassuring to know that God is present with us, leading the way. Other times the way ahead seems black as night. That’s when it is really helpful to see the glimmering flame of God’s love just ahead.
Maybe that’s why God chose these dramatic, ever present, signs for His people.
It also keeps us from falling into another temptation – thinking that we got ourselves out of a mess – all by ourselves. How often I hear people cry out to God in crisis, only to hear them say – once on the other side of the crisis – “Boy, I sure am glad that’s over! Good thing I kept calm and….”
Then they go on to explain what brilliant or talented thing they had done to solve the crisis.
Now, I don’t mean to discount that human effort, and following the advice to “keep calm and carry on” is often helpful in any crisis. I just think we ought to entertain the idea that maybe God has something to do with our “miraculously” finding our way out of that mess in the first place.
Like the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night – God is there – guiding, inspiring, calming, and loving – just as He promised He would.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for your abiding presence, in light and darkness. AMEN.
