As one takes a deeper look at the familiar story of the Israelites heading towards the Promised Land, we notice something interesting:
"After leaving Sukkoth they camped at Etham on the edge of the desert. By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night. Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people." - Exodus 13
It only occurred to me now, why God used the pillar of fire to lead the Israelites. God wanted them to keep moving forward, and to put distance between themselves and the chasing Egyptians. It probably seemed a natural thing for them to rest at night and to only travel by day, but this would have been too dangerous for them, so God told them to walk in the dark.
Obviously, God is not suggesting that we don't sleep at night, but I do think there is something profound about the idea of us 'moving forward', despite the darkness that may hamper our journey. Is it possible that in a time of despair we are tempted to stop? To give up? Could God be nudging us onward and promising to shine a light for us?
What do you think?
Living in Grace
D3LM3
