One of the many interesting stories in the Bible is the Old Testament account of the Israelites long journey through the wilderness on the way to the Promised Land.
After four hundred and thirty years of Egyptian bondage, the children of Israel were set free. They were on their way to Canaan, the land of promise. The major trade route from Egypt to Canaan was by what was known as "the way of the Philistines." This well-traveled highway would lead them directly east, then northeast.
God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, 'Lest perhaps the people change their minds when they see war, and return to Egypt.'" Exodus 13:17. They had just departed from a land of the dead and they weren't ready to do battle with the mighty Philistines.
"So God led the people around by way of the wilderness of the Red Sea." Instead of traveling east, they went south. It's interesting that "the children of Israel went up in orderly ranks out of the land of Egypt." They followed the Leader. When Pharaoh learned of their whereabouts, he said, "They are bewildered by the land; the wilderness has closed them in." He didn't realize that the Lord knows the way through the wilderness, and where there is no way He makes a way.
"And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so as to go by day and night." What a comforting sight! As long as they saw the pillar of cloud and pillar of fire they knew that God was with them, leading the way. Day and night! The psalmist wrote, "Behold, He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep." Psalm 121:4. The Lord provided guidance twenty-four hours a day. "He did not take away the pillar of cloud by day or the pillar of fire by night from before the people." Exodus 13:21, 22. His presence was a permanent presence.
And for 40 years they wandered and often complained and rebelled. But God provided all that they needed in their wilderness wandering - manna daily, water when needed and guidance and protection each day and night.
It was probably this event that caused Sidney E. Cox (1887-1975) to pen this chorus of personal application. In 1908 he joined the Methodist church but soon moved to the Salvation Army, where he worked from the years 1909 until 1944, eventually becoming a Major. After he left the Salvation Army he devoted his focus to evangelical revival work. Over the course of his life, Cox authored or composed approximately 400 songs.
This chorus is one that I remember singing almost weekly in prayer meetings. It was a source of strength and encouragement for God's children. Hopefully it will be an encouragement for you this week.
Sometimes our lives are a journey through the wilderness. Pain and danger can be everywhere and we need direction and deliverance. We also need daily guidance in our walk with the Lord. There aren't any shortcuts in the Christian life. We don't have a pillar of cloud to lead us in the day, or a pillar of fire at night. But we do have the word of God. "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." Psalm 119:105. Let the word of God dwell in you richly. It will never lead you astray.
"… He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake." Psalm. 23:3. My Lord does know the way through the wilderness.
My Lord knows the way through the wilderness,
All I have to do is follow.
My Lord knows the way through the wilderness,
All I have to do is follow.
Strength for today is mine all the way,
And all that I need for tomorrow.
My Lord knows the way through the wilderness,
All I have to do is follow.
Listen to it here. WILDERNESS
No comments:
Post a Comment