The LORD went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to lead them on their way during the day and in a pillar of fire to give them light at night, so that they could travel day or night. The pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night never left its place in front of the people of Israel. (Exodus 13:21-22)
The Israelites had just narrowly escaped the armies of Pharaoh, and after, were left in unfamiliar territory, wandering through a wasteland. It struck me recently that only God would miraculously break the chains of his people, perform countless miracles, and split a sea in half… and then strand his people in a Desert: the wasteland, the place where no one in their right mind would go.
Yet he didn’t leave them alone; he walked ahead of them every single step of the way. These followers were accurate with their complaints about where God led them, but that doesn’t mean they were right. They were indeed in a wasteland, without an army to defend them or a city wall to hide behind, but they were not alone. The only thing that they had to do to realize this was to look up.
How does a group of people unite when they are in an uncertain place that they did not plan to be in? It is straightforward, yet surprisingly hard to do; they need to look up. Church, we must look up in this moment. We must look up in this season. The only way to remain united is through collectively casting our gaze upon Christ, crucified for you and for me.
Prayer Prompt: God, I pray that you would go before me like you did for the Israelites. Be the object of my attention and affection in every moment today.
God, I pray that you would go before Grace Chapel. Please remind us all that you are our shepherd and our leader. Move powerfully as you lead us into a better future than we could ever dream.
Song of the Day: Turn your eyes upon Jesus - Michael W. Smith
