The Pilgrim Path---Exodus 13: 17, 18

When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near. For God said, Lest the people change their minds when they see war and return to Egypt.” But God led the people around by the way of the wilderness toward the Red Sea. And the people of Israel went up out of the land equipped for battle.

“…CHANGE THEIR MINDS”

Which way do you go? We often wonder that in our lives as followers of King Jesus. The LORD made it easy for HIS people as they left Egypt. HE led them toward the Red Sea along the way to the desert. Now, this way would have its challenges. But the LORD knew even though His people were “outwardly” prepped for battle---they were not inwardly prepared for any stiff military campaigns. They were a fickle people. They were “little” on soul fabric. They had a lot to learn (so do we). The LORD knew that they would be prone to “high tale it back to Egypt.” He had them take the longer scenic route. No worries---HE was with them…

The LORD knew where to put them and what to require of them. The next time we get to the Red Sea---and it looks to us like there is nowhere to go---we need to pause and think: well, HE kept me from direct confrontation with the Philistines! The Glorious thing is---The LORD always has The LIGHT of The World out ahead of us (Jesus) with the truth of HIS inerrant Word to provide solace and direction. HE knows exactly what HE is doing. Never behind…If I would love Him most and believe Him “above” all others (as the Apostle Peter directs) my problems would seem to drown like Pharaoh’s army. It all boils down to faith. Faith in Him. Faith in His Word---and Faith in His timing. Just consider: It would have made no sense for the Jews to have run back to Egypt. No sense! The LORD had to get them to the Red Sea to show them HIS delivering love and power. This would have been missed on any other path! The desert would not be simple---but as Spurgeon used to say, “I had rather be a lean bird in the forest than a fat bird in a cage!” The Jews were not even fat birds in Egypt! The LORD will show Himself strong on their behalf. And King Jesus has some remarkable ways of showing Himself strong on behalf of His children…We pray and press on. The BEST is yet to come---all because of Jesus Christ the Living Savior!

From Isaac Watts: The presence of God is a universal spring of comfort and courage, and a wide spreading shield against every mischief. Does slander, poverty, or sickness frighten you? Remember that diseases are servants of our Lord Jesus, and he can bid pains and anguish of body go or come as he pleases. None will tarry with you beyond his appointed moment. He is a wise physician, and he will deal tenderly with you. Are you afraid of persecuting enemies? These are but instruments to execute his divine purposes and are chained under the sovereign dominion of Christ. They cannot move or act without his permission!

From Thomas Manton: God’s providence extends to all men. Even the wicked enjoy possessions of his common bounty. But God bestows his covenant blessings only to believers.

From John Duncan: It is a blessed thing that we are not placed amid the grinding and wheeling of a great machine of a universe without guiding hand or animating heart.

Grace and Peace in Jesus, the Only Redeemer of broken and wretched souls, Pastor Jason