Read Exodus 13:17-14:31.

Introduction⤒🔗

There were once two doctors: one followed the LORD’s leading; the other did not. The one was challenged by God to become a medical missionary in Africa; he heeded God’s call and followed God’s leading. He gave up fame and fortune, turning down a lucrative position in an American hospital, to treat hundreds of patients a week at a primitive little hospital in the heart of Africa. He is following Christ, he is where God wants him to be, he has the joy of seeing many of those African patients come to Christ the Savior, and his life is satisfying.

The other doctor also was led by God to become a medical missionary and serve in the same African hospital, but he changed his mind and decided to stay in the U.S. rather than heed God’s call to go overseas. He went on to become a very successful doctor with a large and prosperous practice. From the world’s point of view, he had everything he wanted. But something was wrong. He went through three unsuccessful marriages, and while he was still a young man he took his own life.¹

This is not to say that becoming a medical missionary to Africa is the only way to go—that is not the point. This is the point: Following Christ, wherever and however He may lead you, that is the only way to go.

Follow the LORD with Confidence, Even When He Leads You in a “Circuitous Route”←⤒🔗

When Pharaoh let God's people go, when he drove them out of the land (Ex. 11:1), the LORD was there to lead them. When the LORD calls you to forsake the world and follow Him—perhaps calling you to give up a job that causes you to compromise your Christian principles, or calling you to come out of a personal relationship that will cause you to violate your Christian standards, or calling you to become a medical missionary to Africa—He is obligating Himself to take care of you. Therefore, you may remind Him of His relationship to you: “You are our Father, You, O LORD, are our Father; from everlasting your name has been, Our Redeemer” (Isa. 63:16). You may be assured of His faithfulness: “[the LORD] himself has said, ‘I will by no means fail you, neither will I in any way forsake you.’ ⁶So, with sure confidence we say, ‘The LORD is my helper; I will not fear’” (Heb. 13:5b-6a).

The LORD went before the people to lead them by means of a pillar of cloud during the day and a pillar of fire throughout the night (Ex. 13:21-22). Just as the caravans were led through the wilderness by a “pillar of cloud and fire,” issuing from wood fires in iron grates fastened to long poles,² so the LORD led His people as their Guide with His own divine pillar of cloud and fire. By means of the pillar of cloud and fire, the LORD provided all that His people needed: shade from the brutal desert heat throughout the day, and light to give comfort and protection and ward off the predatory dangers lurking in the night. As the Psalmist testifies, the LORD will provide for us, provided that we follow Him as the sheep follow their shepherd: “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall lack nothing” (Psl. 23:1).

But God led the children of Israel by a totally unexpected, circuitous, mysterious route. The LORD did not lead them by the road that passes through the country of the Philistines, even though that route was more direct. Why? Because He knew they were not yet ready to meet the armed challenge of the Philistine armies (Ex. 13:17). If you accept the LORD’s leading and look to Him for guidance, He may well deliver you from challenges, trials and temptations for which you are not prepared and that you would find to be too overwhelming. So it was that the LORD led His people by the more circuitous route, the route that went into the wilderness down towards the Red Sea. After they had assembled at Succoth (a trading outpost?), they traveled east to Etham (at the Egyptian border), and then south into the desert region along the Red Sea (Ex. 13:18,20).

Sometimes you may become impatient with the LORD’s leading, and be tempted to think, “If I were leading, I would take the direct route, not all these meanderings down the back roads!” Sometimes you may be confused, and be tempted to think, “What is God doing? Why did He cause this to happen or allow that to occur?” In such times, remember the words of the hymn writer, Katharina von Schlegel:

Be still, my soul: the LORD is on thy side,
Leave it to thy God to order and provide.
Be still, my soul: thy best, thy heavenly
Friend, Through thorny ways leads to a
joyful end.

Be still, my soul: thy God does undertake
To guide the future as He has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence, let nothing
shake; All now mysterious shall be bright
at last.

Follow the Lord with confidence, even when He leads you in a “circuitous route.” His chosen way of leading is intended to develop Christ-like character in your life:

²..we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. ³Not only so, but let us even rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; ⁴and perseverance [produces] character; and character [produces] hope. ⁵And this hope shall not disappoint us; because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. Rom. 5:2-5

His chosen way of leading is intended to bring honor to God by your life:

²⁰...my heart-felt expectation and hope [is] that in no circumstance will I be put to shame; on the contrary, I have all confidence that as always, so now also, Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. Phil. 1:20

Follow the LORD with Confidence, Realizing that He will Lead You in a Course that will Honor His Name←⤒🔗

Consider Pharaoh’s reaction to the route chosen by God for His people Israel. As the LORD reveals to Moses, Pharaoh views the route the LORD has chosen for His people as being foolish. As the LORD informs Moses, “Then Pharaoh will say concerning the children of Israel, They are wandering in the land in confusion, they are hemmed in by the wilderness” (14:3). In Pharaoh’s opinion, the Israelites are wandering around in confusion, those ignorant, superstitious fools! The world mistakes the wisdom and the ways of God as foolishness, because it cannot comprehend the scheme and purpose of God’s works:

⁵How great are your works, O LORD, how profound are your thoughts! ⁶A brutish man does not know, fools do not understand. Psl. 92:5-6

Note, too, the Apostle Paul’s testimony of praise,

³³Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! ³⁴Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor? Rom. 11:33-34

Pharaoh views this as his opportunity to recapture Israel. Seeing that they are hemmed in with the sea at their backs, Pharaoh musters six hundred chariots and confidently sets off to dispatch the “helpless” Israelites (Ex. 14:5-7). As a modern-day example of the world viewing the Christian as “easy prey,” consider this incident from the life of the nineteenth-century evangelist, D.L. Moody:

One day, the famous evangelist and a little boy were canvassing a rough neighborhood, inviting the residents to come to church. When they stopped by a local saloon, the patrons, who were “learned” blasphemers, invited Moody and the little boy to meet with them the next week to discuss religion, thinking they could easily expose the “foolishness” of Moody’s faith and dissuade the little boy from following Christ. What happened the next week was not at all what the blasphemers had anticipated...

Having considered Pharaoh’s reaction to the way in which the LORD was leading His people, next consider Israel’s reaction to the route chosen for them by their God:

¹⁰As Pharaoh approached, the children of Israel looked up and saw the Egyptians marching against them. They were terrified and the children of Israel cried out to the LORD. ¹¹Then they said to Moses, 'Is it because there were no graves in Egypt, is that why you have taken us away to die in the wilderness? Why have you treated us like this, bringing us out of Egypt? ¹²Did we not say to you back in Egypt, Leave us alone; let us serve the Egyptians!? It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness!' 14:10-12

There is an initial sense of terror and panic: in the distance they see a cloud of dust, then the gleam of war spears glittering in the sun, and now the sight of Pharaoh’s chariots arrayed against them—like sharks silently, confidently closing in on the prey—awaiting the order to attack.

Then, all in one breath, Israel raises a cry to the LORD and a blasphemous protest against the deliverer the LORD has appointed: “Why have you brought this calamity upon us? It was better for us not to have followed you at all!” Israel did not like the fact that they had to face adversity on their way to the Promised Land of Canaan. With regard to God’s chosen course for His people, leading them through this present world into His everlasting kingdom, take note of the Apostle Paul’s counsel recorded in Acts 14:21-22, as he and Barnabas ministered to the churches they had earlier established, ”they returned to Lystra, and to Iconium, and to Antioch, ²²strengthening the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and [teaching] that we must enter into the kingdom of God through many tribulations.”

Finally, but most importantly, let us consider God’s purpose in leading His people by this particular route: “I will harden Pharaoh’s heart and he will pursue them; but I will gain glory for myself over Pharaoh and all his army, and the Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD” (Ex. 14:4). Above all, the chosen course by which the LORD leads His people is intended for His honor and glory, and for the purpose of revealing His divine majesty.

This same divine truth is exemplified in the case of the death of Jesus' dear friend, Lazarus: “So the sisters sent word to Jesus, saying, Lord, the one whom you love is sick. ⁴But when Jesus heard this, he said, This sickness is not for death, but for the sake of the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified by means of it” (Jn 11:3-4). Lazarus’ death permitted the Lord Jesus to perform the great miracle of raising him from the dead, thereby giving assurance to His disciples that He is the Resurrection and the Life; an assurance that was especially necessary as He was on His way to the cross of Calvary.

Writing to Christians who were undergoing severe trials, the Apostle Peter explains to them the purpose of such trials:

⁶...now for a little while, since it is necessary, you have been brought to grief by all kinds of trials. ⁷[This has happened] so that the genuineness of your faith—being of greater value than gold that perishes—having been tested by fire, may be verified, resulting in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.1 Pet. 1:6-7

The Christian’s faithful perseverance in the face of trials will result in “praise and glory” for God, because His people deem Him worthy of their continued faithfulness even though they must endure trial for His sake. Furthermore, it will result in “honor” for them, an honor that will finally be bestowed upon them because they remained faithful to the LORD their God even in the midst of trial.

Follow the LORD with confidence, realizing that He will lead you in a course that will honor His holy Name, and He will prove Himself faithful to bestow honor upon those who have faithfully accepted His leading.

Follow the LORD with Confidence, Knowing that He will Bring You Safely through to Glory←⤒🔗

The LORD was sovereignly orchestrating and overruling the entire event. He led Israel into the wilderness and to the shores of the Red Sea; He caused Pharaoh to pursue after the children of Israel; and He led His people through the parted waters of the sea to peace and rest.

The LORD allowed His people to be confronted by their enemies; but He Himself stood watch over them:

¹⁹Then the angel of God, who had been traveling in front of Israel’s camp, moved and went behind them; and the pillar of cloud moved from before them and stood behind them. ²⁰So it came between the camp of Egypt and the camp of Israel. The cloud was present even in the darkness, and it gave light to [the children of Israel] during the night. Neither camp came near to the other throughout the night. Ex.14:19-20

The LORD allowed His people to be pursued by their enemies; so that he might demonstrate His power and glory in the destruction of those enemies:

¹⁷And I, indeed, I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they will go in after them. I will gain glory over Pharaoh and over all his army, over his chariots and over his horsemen. ¹⁸The Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD when I have gained glory over Pharaoh, over his chariots, and over his horsemen. Ex. 14:17-18

Getting back to our story, what happened to D.L. Moody and the little boy when they returned to that saloon to discuss religion with the patrons who were “learned” blasphemers?

Upon returning the next Sunday morning, Moody suggested that the blasphemers first present their arguments against Christianity before he spoke in favor of his Christian faith. As it turned out, Moody never had the opportunity, nor the need, to defend his faith. When the blasphemers began to speak, they contradicted each other, soon their tempers flared, their quarreling turned into brawling, and finally Moody and the little boy were sitting all alone in the empty saloon, surrounded by the peace and presence of the LORD.Taken from a biography of D.L. Moody.

Consider the testimony of the Psalmist:

⁵How great are your works, O LORD, how profound are your thoughts! ⁶A brutish man does not know, fools do not understand ⁷that although the wicked may spring up like grass and all evildoers may flourish, it is so that they may be destroyed forever. ⁸But you, O LORD, are exalted forever. ⁹Surely your enemies, O LORD, surely your enemies will perish; all evildoers will be scattered. ¹⁰You have exalted my horn like that of a wild ox; fine oils have been poured upon me. Psl. 92:5-10

Note: The “horn,” of which the Psalmist speaks, was a symbol of strength and honor.

The LORD led His people through the parted waters of the Red Sea to ultimate peace and safety. Darkness was descending as the Egyptians set up camp against Israel (Ex. 14:19-20). All through the night, the LORD caused a howling east wind to part the waters of the sea (vs. 21). In the middle of the night, Israel passes through that valley created by two great mountains of water, and the Egyptians pursue them (vs. 22). For the Egyptians, it became a passage into death; but for Israel, it was a safe passage through death. Israel's journey through the valley created by the parted waters of the Red Sea, and occurring at night, brings to mind the words of the Psalmist: ”Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me” (Psl. 23:4).

Follow the LORD with confidence, knowing that He will bring you safely through unto glory. As the hymn writer, John Newton, testified: "Through many dangers, toils, and snares, I have already come, Grace has brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home." Consider, too, the testimony of the Apostle Paul:

¹⁸The LORD will deliver me out of every evil work and will save me for his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen 2 Tim. 4:18

Conclusion←⤒🔗

The LORD will direct the course of your life, but it will not be the course that you would choose. Nevertheless, follow the LORD with confidence along the course He charts for you, because it will eventually lead to a glorious destination.

Discussion Questions←⤒🔗

1. God has just led Israel out of Egypt by mighty miracles that have devastated that empire; yet, in what direction does He now lead them, and why does He do so? See Ex. 13:17-18a Do you appreciate the fact that the LORD does not always resort to miracles, but much more often employs providential care in leading His people to the Promised Land? What assurance of such care is given to the Christian in Isa. 58:11?

¹⁷Now when Pharaoh had let the people go, God did not lead them by the way of the land of the Philistines, even though it was a shorter route; for God said, 'When the people face war, they may change their minds and return to Egypt.' ^18aSo God led the people around by the way of the wilderness to the Red Sea. Ex. 13:17-18a

¹¹...the LORD will continually guide you; he will satisfy your soul [even] in a sun-scorched land and give strength to your bones. You will be like a well-watered garden and like a spring of water that never runs dry. Isa. 58:11

2. By what visible means did the LORD lead His people on their journey to the Promised Land of Canaan? See Ex. 13:21-22 What is especially emphasized in verse 22? By what means does the LORD lead the Christian today? See Jn. 14:26; 16:13a; 2 Tim. 3:16-17; Jn. 14:26 What assurance is given to the Christian as he seeks to faithfully follow Christ? See Isa. 30:21.

²¹...the LORD went before them in a pillar of cloud by day to lead them along the way and in a pillar of fire by night to give them light, so that they might travel by day and by night. ²²The pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night did not depart from the people, they were ever present before them. Ex. 13:21-22

¹⁶All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, ¹⁷so that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Tim. 3:16-17

²⁶...the Counselor whom the Father will send in my name, that is, the Holy Spirit, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you. Jn. 14:26

²¹And when you turn [aside] to the right or to the left, with your ears you will hear a voice behind you saying, This is the way, walk in it. Isa. 30:21

3. How do the people of Israel react when they see Pharaoh and his army approaching? See Ex. 14:10-12 As a Christian, have there ever been times in your life that you regretted becoming a Christian? Was it when you suffered persecution, or personal loss, or when you were deprived of participating in sinful pleasures and pursuits? Especially at such times, what must we remember? See Jn. 6:67-69.

¹⁰As Pharaoh approached, the children of Israel looked up and saw the Egyptians marching against them. They were terrified and the children of Israel cried out to the LORD. ¹¹Then they said to Moses, 'Is it because there were no graves in Egypt, is that why you have taken us away to die in the wilderness? Why have you treated us like this, bringing us out of Egypt? ¹²Did we not say to you back in Egypt, ‘Leave us alone; let us serve the Egyptians!’? It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness!' Ex. 14:10-12

⁶⁵At this point many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him. ⁶⁷Jesus therefore said to the Twelve, Will you also leave? ⁶⁸Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. ⁶⁹We have believed and know that you are the Holy One of God. Jn. 6:67-69

4. Confronted by the Egyptian army behind them and the Red Sea before them, what does the LORD command Israel to do? See Ex. 14:15 Have you ever found yourself in a perilous situation in which you had no other option but to trust the LORD, even though it was impossible to know what He would do? What does the LORD now do for His people? See Ex. 14:16,19,21-22a Can you, like the Apostle Paul, testify to the LORD’s faithfulness? See 2 Tim. 4:17-18.

¹⁵Then the LORD said to Moses, Why are you crying out to me? Tell the children of Israel to go forward. Ex. 14:15

¹⁶Lift up your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide the waters. The children of Israel shall go through the midst of the sea on dry ground... ¹⁹Then the angel of God, who had been traveling in front of Israel’s camp, moved and went behind them; and the pillar of cloud moved from before them and stood behind them...²¹Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and all night long the LORD drove the sea back by means of a strong east wind and turned it into dry ground. So the waters were divided ^22aand the children of Israel went through the sea on dry ground... Ex. 14:16, 19, 21-22a

¹⁷The Lord stood by me and strengthened me...and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. ¹⁸And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory forever and ever. Amen. 2 Tim. 4:17-18

5. Consider the description of Israel’s safe passage through the parted waters of the Red Sea (Ex. 14:21-22): At what time did it occur? How are the parted waters described? Of what does this safe passage through a dark valley remind you? See Psl. 23:4 What assurance does this give the Christian concerning the moment he must experience death? See Isa. 43:1-3a.

²¹Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and all night long the LORD drove the sea back by means of a strong east wind and turned it into dry ground. So the waters were divided ²²and the children of Israel went through the sea on dry ground—the waters formed a wall for them on their right hand and on their left.Ex. 14:21-22

⁴Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for you are with me: your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Ps. 23:4

¹But now, this is what the LORD says—the one who created you, O Jacob, the one who formed you, O Israel. Do not be afraid, because I have redeemed you. I have called you by your name; you are mine. ²When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and [when you pass through] the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze; ^3abecause I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. Isa. 43:1-3a