Exodus 13:17-22 – God Plans the Journey
Now that Israel has been set free all they have to do is head north, for about a week’s journey, and there will be the Promised Land. It is a short route to the place of promise.
But God has chosen a different path. A path that will lead them through the wilderness for 40 years! A path that is going to be difficult. A path that will teach them some hard lessons.
As we walk with Jesus Christ and have our eyes fixed on our heavenward calling we perhaps think God should take us on the short easy route, but often he doesn’t.
So remember:
God has planned the journey. God’s plans are not necessarily our plans, and his ways are not our ways. God, for the good of the people of Israel takes them on a route that they would not have been expecting (verse 17). God knows what is best for the people.
God gives promises for the journey. Something strange happens in verse 19, “Moses took the bones of Joseph with him.” Back in Genesis 50:24-26 we read that through Joseph God made a promise that Israel would be brought up out of Egypt and into the Promised Land. Hebrews 11:22 puts it this way, “By faith Joseph, at the end of his life, made mention of the exodus of the Israelites and gave directions concerning his bones.” God does not break his promise. God is always trustworthy.
God’s presence is with us in the journey. Verse 21-22, “The LORD went before them…the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night did not depart from before the people.” God is with his people.
What comfort to know that God has planned, God promises and God is present with us in our journey to our heavenly home in Jesus Christ.
Questions
- What are some of the circumstances in your life that you would not have chosen or expected?
- What comforts do we find in today’s passage?
Prayer Points
- Give thanks that God is in control of your life journey.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.