Text: Exodus 13:21-22
Theme: The Pillar of Cloud & Fire
Introduction:
The Pillar of Cloud and Fire was a miracle. It was the sign of the tender care of the Lord God. God was their deliverer while they were captives, he was a guide while they were pilgrims. The Persians and Greeks used fire and smoke as signals in their marches. But here God himself was present as their leader and General. It was a guide, a gift, a guard, and a glory.
Guide:
The pillar of fire and the pillar of cloud were the guides of this redeemed nation of Israel (Exodus 13:21). The appearance of the cloud marked a turning point in the journey of the Israelites. It became the gateway to the greater experience of the power of God. It was a glorious experience to walk in the light of his countenance. The pillar was the visible sign of the Lord’s presence in Israel. The cloud went before them seeking their resting places (Numbers 9:17).
Gift:
As long as they were Succoth they were within the roads of Egypt and happy but the touch of the border of Etham brought fear and directionless because of the wilderness to their end of sight (Exodus 13:20-21). At this juncture, the pillars became the perfect gift from the Lord (James 1:17). The Lord went before them. Man’s extremity is God’s opportunity. Moses led Israel to Pi-hahiroth between Migdol and the sea, over against Baal-sephon (Exodus 14:2). The fiery cloud thus formed an imposing visible symbol of the spiritual presence of God, guiding, protecting, and speaking in Israel, during its journey through the wilderness.
Guard:
It was a trap from the human point of view but it was an opportunity for God to prove his power to the enemies. But the Angel of the Lord went before them in the form of pillars as their guard between the enemy camps and Israel (Exodus 14:19-20, 24). The angel of the Lord encamps round about them that fear him and delivers them (Psalm 34:7). The cloud rested on the tabernacle (Exodus 40:34). Those whom God brings into a wilderness, he will not leave nor lose there, but will take care to lead them through it. The pillar was having two different appearances and uses, a cloud by day to defend them from the heat, and a fire by night to illuminate them. (Numbers 9:15,16, Psalm 105:39)
Glory:
It was a grandeur moment for the Israelites. Exodus 14:24 The Lord looked down from the cloud at the movements of the Egyptians. The glory of the Lord appeared in the cloud (Exodus 16:10). He appeared in the thick cloud (Exodus 19:9). The cloud of glory covered the mount of the Lord (Exodus 24:15-16). The Lord descended in the cloud to give the Commandments (Exodus 34:5). He said that he would appear in the cloud upon the mercy seat (Leviticus 16:2). He was their guide, a very good guide, infinitely wise, kind, and faithful, the Lord went up before them as Shechinah.
Lessons
? Jehovah was their co-sojourner. They were rebellious, contentious, disobedience, and stiff-necked yet the Lord decided to walk with them. Jesus walked with the disciples despite their weakness. Jesus walked with the disciples to Jerusalem, he walked with them to Emmaus.
? God shows through this lesson that he does not hide his will from us but He leads us, guides us, and directs us on daily basis our steps, our every step, just like he did in the wilderness.
? It tells us that God is for us, God is in us, and God is with us as he was with the Israelites in the wilderness. He personally provides direction, and guidance, where to go, and when to go there.
(Ref: Commentaries by Benson, Matthew Henry, Barnes, Cambridge, Charles Stevens, David Platt).
(For themes in Exodus, kindly refer this cite).
