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Text: Exodus 13:17-22
Over and over in these last verses of chapter 13 you read about the Lord’s leadership. The LORD is my shepherd, he leads me, and so He did with the nation of Israel.
A careful way (vss 17-18)
- The way was not the quickest way, but it was the best way.
- The LORD wanted to keep the nation from failing as they were just like a new child. No experience in life, no understanding, needing to be protected from danger.
- It might have been unexpected. Even though they went up “harnessed” which means they thought they were ready for war, the LORD knew they weren’t.
A comforting way (vs 19)
- After living there for 93 years. After excelling in Egypt. (But not because he was ambitious, because he was humble and diligent.) Egypt had everything to offer. Furthermore, Joseph is a high-ranking political figure with all the luxuries Egypt has to offer. Joseph’s heart was never in Egypt because of the promise.
- Joseph’s faith outlived the grave. He sees beyond his own death.…when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel and gave commandment concerning his bones…
- He looked for the resurrection. Joseph died in faith not having received the promises. But the LORD led Joseph with the promise of a future.
- Joseph never lost sight of God’s promise. The promise of God is what directed Joseph’s life. He would not lose sight of God’s promises throughout his life.
- He would flee fornication because of the promise.
- He would never get bitter in his circumstances because of the promise.
- He would work as unto the Lord because of the promise.
- He would be exalted because of the promise.
- Moses is faithful in the things of God to honor Joseph’s instruction. He diligently moves the bones from Egypt to take them to the promised land.
- Even though this must be done in a hurry.
- There is no turning back. Moses doesn’t expect to leave Egypt and one day come back for Joseph’s bones. Moses takes responsibility for being the generation that leaves Egypt, never to return.
- Finality. Removing the bones of Joseph to replace them in the promised land with a view to the resurrection.
- If only the spirit or soul is saved what does it matter what happens to bones?
A clear way (vss 20-21)
- The LORD leads Israel very clearly with a pillar of smoke and a pillar of fire. It’s said to give them light to go by.
- Walking in the light
- 2 Corinthians 4:4-6 – light of the glorious gospel
- Ephesians 5:8, 10-14 – children of light, reprove works done in darkness
- 1 John 1:6-10 – walk in light is allowing his word (vs 10) to find sin
A constant way (vs 22)
- He took not away the pillar… so the LORD gives a constant direction.
