Then it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, “Lest perhaps the people change their minds when they see war, and return to Egypt.” So God led the people around by way of the wilderness of the Red Sea. And the children of Israel went up in orderly ranks out of the land of Egypt. . . 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. Exodus 14: 17, 18, 21, NKJV.
Dear Heavenly Parent and Faithful Guide, please continue to lead us through this wilderness of difficulties on to the Promise Land. In the precious name of Jesus Christ who is the “Way, the Truth and the Life” we pray. Amen.
What a wonderful thing to be led of God! In this desert land with its snares, and pitfalls, what peace there is in the knowledge that our Guide knows the way, not in theory, but through experience. He dwelt in our flesh in order to walk in the way we should walk; identify the snares, and then leave us a road map, with His blood-stained footprints, so that we need not lose our way. Oh the matchless love of the Savior!
The children of Israel had just been set free. They had been born, and lived, in captivity for four hundred and thirty years (Genesis 15: 13, 14; Exodus 12: 40, 41)! Fourth generation slaves. Free for the very first time in their lives. Is it any small wonder that God took it upon Himself to lead them? Moses would serve as the go-between, but God would be the leader.
Only He was capable of leading people who had suffered so much identity crises, and in some cases had lost their sense of identity. He who had created human beings in the beginning, in His “image” and “likeness;” was the only One who could re-create them and give them a new identity. And what an identity: “a special treasure to Me above all people; . . . a kingdom of priests and a holy nation” (Exodus 19: 5b, 6a)!
You would believe that to bring about such results the methods would be very complex and sophisticated, according to our human definition of complexity and sophistication. To the contrary, the roof over their heads by day was a “pillar of cloud” and by night a “pillar of fire”. Protection from the desert heat, and warmth from the desert cold. Bread – a meal so simple that at first sight they asked, “What is it?” (the meaning of manna); yet so complete in itself that it could not be reproduced on earth, it was delivered fresh to them every morning, from heaven (Exodus 16: 14, 15, 21). And water from a rock (17: 16). Here was everything they would need while in the wilderness, to be comfortable and content, until they reached the land that flowed with milk and honey. Yet they refused to be led.
As I sat and thought about God’s method of leading His people in the past, I realize that it has not changed much. The home of our first parents was a garden (Genesis 2: 8-15). Their diet was very simple (1: 29). Of course, before the entrance of sin, the temperature was perfect so there was no need for artificial cooling or warming. But in the midst of this simplicity was everything our first parents needed to be happy. Yet Eve believed she needed to be “like God having a knowledge of good and evil” (Genesis 3: 5).
Most of our problems seem to be the result of our wants, not necessarily our needs. God has promised to take care of our needs (Matthew 6: 25-32). The children of Israel needed bread (food) and water. God provided them with food and water. But they wanted the meat, the fish, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, onions and garlics (Numbers 11: 4-6). You may ask, and rightly so, what is wrong with these things? Weren’t they eating them from they were born? True. But remember that this was an Egyptian diet for Israelite slaves. While they were in Egypt living like slaves, that may have been okay. But remember, God was trying to restore their true identity – His identity in them. So their diet must change. Hint, hint: the powerful effect of diet on behavior! So their rebellion continued until they received their heart’s desire: they died in the wilderness (Numbers 14: 26-36).
They refused to be led by the LORD, and so they died – walking in their own ways.
Tomorrow we will continue with this topic.