Exodus 13:17-22 (NRSV)
Read Exodus 13:17-22 on biblegateway.com
Verse 17When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was nearer; for God thought, "If the people face war, they may change their minds and return to Egypt." Verse 18So God led the people by the roundabout way of the wilderness toward the Red Sea. The Israelites went up out of the land of Egypt prepared for battle. Verse 19And Moses took with him the bones of Joseph who had required a solemn oath of the Israelites, saying, "God will surely take notice of you, and then you must carry my bones with you from here." Verse 20They set out from Succoth, and camped at Etham, on the edge of the wilderness. Verse 21The Lord went in front of them in a pillar of cloud by day, to lead them along the way, and in a pillar of fire by night, to give them light, so that they might travel by day and by night. Verse 22Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people.
Devotion
24/7—that’s how often God promises to lead and guide us. God knows that disasters and sins know not whether it is light or dark; that opportunities and challenges for ministry present themselves at seeming random intervals, day and/or night; that, in general, as Annie Dillard wrote, “it’s chancy out there.” Knowing God, then, is it any wonder that the entire chronometer is covered?
Prayer
God of all our times, we thank and praise you for your promised guidance. Amen.