THE PILLAR OR FIRE

God did NOT say, “Be careful in the wilderness… I’ll meet you in Canaan!” God didn’t send them. He led them. He went with His people through the wilderness.

“The Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to lead them on their way during the day and in a pillar of fire to give them light at night, so that they could travel day or night. The pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night never left its place in front of the people”

(Exodus 13:21–22).

God was visibly present with Moses and the children of God. He was in the pillar of fire and cloud. He was always present with His people.

Forty years later, as Moses was preparing to hand the baton of leadership to Joshua,

“the Lord appeared at the tent in a pillar of cloud, and the cloud stood at the entrance to the tent” (Deuteronomy 31:15). God never forsook them. He remained with them all the way through the wilderness wanderings.

He’s given us the same great promise.

“Be strong and courageous; don’t be terrified or afraid of them. For the Lord your God is the one who will go with you; he will not leave you or abandon you” (Deuteronomy 31:6).

“I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go” (Genesis 28:15).

“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).

“I will never leave you or abandon you” (Hebrews 13:5).

“Remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).

“… think on these things” (Philippians 4:8, KJV).