RTW February 5
God’s Way
When Pharaoh finally let the people go, God did not lead them along the main road that runs through Philistine territory, even though that was the shortest route to the Promised Land. God said, “If the people are faced with a battle, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.”
Exodus 13:17
My Takeaways
Something Old
- God’s ways are not our ways.
The Lord did not follow the shortest route out of Egypt. He felt if the Israelites met opposition they may turn back. Being an eye witness to God’s great power can send us on a spiritual high, but still leave us vulnerable to our own frailty. A more difficult route of deliverance forces us to rely on God rather than turning back to the security of what we know.
- God will supply all my needs, all the time. (Needs not always wants.)
God led the Israelites by a pillar of cloud by day and fire by night. He transformed bitter water into drinkable water right in front of their eyes. We can trust God to provide for all our needs.
- God will be with us, but we have to be committed to stay with Him.
Even if our oppressor has been defeated and the yoke of our bondage has been removed, our enemy is not likely to give up. (14:4-7) He will reappear and try to seduce us back into slavery.
Something New
“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the LORD. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.” Isaiah 55:8
And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. (NIV) Proverbs 3:5
Something to Do
Trust God’s way, provision, and presence.
My Takeaways:
With Satin (Pharoah) behind them and the Red Sea ahead of them it seemed impossible to the Israelites that they would ever make it out of Egypt. But nothing is impossible for our God. Only through their faith, believing and trusting God could they be saved. Isn’t that still the way today? Nothing has changed. We can’t do anything on our own. It’s only through God’s power and our belief that we are saved today. Pharoah did not believe and his fate was not as good as the Israelites and those Egyptians who did believe. God had to show his power, today we have Jesus Christ.
Exodus 14:31 “When the people of Israel saw the mighty power that the Lord had unleashed against Egyptians, they were filled with awe before him. They put their faith in the Lord and in his servant Moses.”
Something Old:
Exodus 13:19 “Moses took the bones of Joseph with him…” still find it to be so beautiful that after 400 years, Moses still remembers Joseph dying wish.The Egyptians certainly forgot him, but Moses remembered to take his bones with them. He remembered Joseph request. What great faith this showed in the living God! Genesis 50:25 “Than Joseph made the sons of Israel swear on oath, and he said, ‘when God comes to help you lead you back, you must take my bones with you.'”
Something New:
God’s presence was always with the Israelites. He guided them with a pillar of cloud and fire. We too have the same assurance. But instead of having the pillar of cloud and fire, we have the Bible and His Holy Spirit to guide and lead us.
Something To Do:
Listening to the Holy Spirit when he speaks to my heart. Use the knowledge I gain from the Bible to put His truths into action. Trust God completely and believe in his promises. Remember a true Christian leaves a mark wherever they go by loving, caring, and living in devotion to God.