Exodus 13:21-22 By day the LORD went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night. And the LORD did not remove the pillar of cloud or pillar of fire from its place in front of the people.
In ancient times, before electricity was invented, fire was the only source of light after sunset. It dispelled darkness and gave them protection from predators and people. Fire lit-up houses and provided a torch for travelers. Lighting a fire was no easy task. Fire was produced by friction – by rubbing or rotating a piece of dry wood against another. Striking stones such as flint was another method. Striking flint against another hard material produced sparks to start fire.
However, when the Lord brought the Hebrew slaves out of Egypt, He became their source of light. They had no fear at night in the wilderness as the pillar of fire did not leave them. Their travelling time was not restricted between sunrise and sunset. They could travel by day or by night. They also had the pillar of cloud as a canopy to protect them from the scorching desert heat. The fire of God was their guiding light, their security and their protection.
Neither Moses nor the Hebrew slaves planned for their journey through the wilderness. They left Egypt in haste. They did not have a roadmap, radio, food, tents or fuel. The Lord was their only source for all their needs. “Because of your great compassion you did not abandon them in the wilderness. By day the pillar of cloud did not fail to guide them on their path, nor the pillar of fire by night to shine on the way they were to take” (Nehemiah 9:19).
The Pillar of Fire:
- Go: The Lord will go before us and will never leave us alone through the dark valleys of uncertainties.
- Guide: The Lord will be our guiding companion through the wilderness.
- Grant: The Lord will grant us all that we need. He is our protector, provider and peace.
The Lord will be our pillar of fire throughout the journey of life.
Prayer: Lord my God, the Pillar of Fire, guide me and lead me in the path of righteousness. Amen.
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