Exodus 13:21-22 God went ahead of them in a Pillar of Cloud during the day to guide them on the way, and at night in a Pillar of Fire to give them light; thus they could travel both day and night. The Pillar of Cloud by day and the Pillar of Fire by night never left the people.

The Israelites were the descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, whom God set apart as His own people through the covenant. Therefore, we can say that they were holy, set apart, set apart especially for God. This relationship can teach us a lot about intimacy with God.

We can relate to the Israelites because we also struggle with going our own way. Their journey teaches us what mistakes to avoid in our own.

The Israelites were an enormous group of people, about two million. It’s not easy for one person to take such a huge group of people from point A to point B. God knew this, and that is why He went with them. He helped Moses to lead this group of difficult people through the desert for 40 years, until they finally reached the promised land.

How wonderful to see that God didn’t just save them from slavery and then leave them to get to the promised land on their own. He clearly knew they wouldn’t make it on their own, which is exactly why He stayed by their side. Even though they made Him angry and did things that upset Him greatly, He did not abandon them. That would certainly have been catastrophic!

We also belong to the people of God, not necessarily through our ancestors. That is the unique heritage of the Jews. We became part of God’s people through Jesus’ death on the cross. You and I became children of God the day we invited Jesus into our hearts. Then Jesus became our Brother, and we became part of God’s family.

And just as God couldn’t leave the Israelites on their own, He knew we wouldn’t make it on our own either. Therefore, a new plan was introduced, no longer a cloud, but a Spirit. God sent His Spirit to live in us.

The Holy Spirit goes before us. He lives in us, and He protects our rearguard. He is there to help us make the right choices and reach the destination God has planned for us. We simply need to make room for His guidance, listen, and follow as He leads. If we do, we will surely get there.

Prayer
Spirit of God, help me to hear, to listen, and do …

Questions
Am I aware that God accompanies me every day?
Do I truly the Holy Spirit to guide me?
Do I listen when God wants to show me the way?

Do this now
Today, before you begin your day, pause and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in all that you do.
Notice where you feel God leading you and choose to respond.
Write down where you see His guidance and thank Him for it.