LIFE SCRIPTS

When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, “If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.” So God led the people around by the desert road toward the Red Sea. The Israelites went up out of Egypt ready for battle. Moses took the bones of Joseph with him because Joseph had made the Israelites swear an oath. He had said, “God will surely come to your aid, and then you must carry my bones up with you from this place.” 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 13:17‭-‬22 NIV
https://bible.com/bible/111/exo.13.17-22.NIV.

Several things stick out from this passage. God saw a great challenge on the road to the promised land. The Israelites would face stiff military resistance from the Philistines which would have dampened their spirits. So to save them from this situation, He redirected them on a longer but more treacherous route through the desert and the Red Sea. Perhaps there were murmurs among the Israelites. Perhaps some of them wondered why the longer route was preferred. But God knew the grand picture. He saw different challenges around them and chose to expose them to the one they would overcome. Just as in the book of 1Cor 10:13, God never allows us to be exposed to challenges that are beyond our ability. And if it proves very difficult, He still provides a way out. But beyond the route, we see Moses carrying the bones of Joseph just as they had sworn. Possibly none among this generation had seen Joseph face to face. However, word had been carried through generations about his desire for his remains to be brought back to the promised land. Possibly during the era of slavery, many Israelites lost hope. But Joseph’s words of faith gave them the hope they so much needed…that one day, they’ll set foot on the promised land…that one time they’ll be set free. That time came and they remained true to their word. But lastly, God’s presence during this entire movement is something very eye catching. Imagine God’s presence manifesting in the form of a daylight cloud and a night-time pillar of fire? Awesome and wondrous. It symbolises a God who not only shows us the way but also goes the way ahead of us. God’s presence in the Israelite exodus gives us a picture of God’s commitment to lead us through tough trials and situations. Where He sends us, He not only provides the means for us to go but He leads us too. God truly cares for His people. He is with us through His spirit. He sends us into the wilderness at times. But what’s comforting is He’s with us each and every step of the way.