Articles / Class Lessons
“Jesus: The Way out of Darkness”
Then the angel of God who was going before the host of Israel moved and went behind them, and the pillar of cloud moved from before them and stood behind them,coming between the host of Egypt and the host of Israel. And there was the cloud and the darkness. And it lit up the night without one coming near the other all night. Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and the LORD drove the sea back by a strong east wind all night and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided. And the people of Israel went into the midst of the sea on dry ground, the waters being a wall to them on their right hand and on their left. Exodus 14.19-22 ESV
TODAY’S READING: Exodus 13-15
Symbolizing God’s presence, guidance, and protection, the cloud and pillar of fire are one of the most well known parts of the Old Testament story. Every Jew would have known about its significance. God spoke to Israel from the cloud. Sometimes God executed his judgment against evildoers from the cloud. When the cloud moved – people followed. When it stood still, they stayed put. There was no time Israel forgot that God was with them – the cloud and pillar of fire were a very visible form assurance every step of the way. He was their light and life in the darkness and uncertainty of the wilderness wanderings. Today, we can be assured that God is with us all the way. He is always true to His word. Maybe you feel alone and abandoned – Jesus is right by your side. He is never so near as when we need Him the most. Jesus wants to be your guide, pointing the way out of darkness. Will you allow Him to go to work? If you are in His family, there is no better place to be than at the center of God’s will. I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life, John 8.12.
