Ahead

This is one of those English words that have multiple meanings. As my youngest son has learned, processed and translated the English language from Spanish, he has been constantly frustrated that our language has so many words that are pronounced the same, but has different meanings. The word “ahead” can mean “further forward motion in time or space”. It can also mean “onward” or “in the lead”.

As I’m journeying through the book of Exodus, the people of Israel are beginning a journey of their own. They are finally leaving Egypt and the life of slavery behind. The Lord is speaking into Moses and Aaron about how they will remember and celebrate this historic event. The Lord leads them in a unique way. Check this out…

17 When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, ‘If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.’ 18 So God led the people around by the desert road towards the Red Sea. The Israelites went up out of Egypt ready for battle.

20 After leaving Sukkoth they camped at Etham on the edge of the desert. 21 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. 22 Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people. (Exodus 13:17-18; 20-22 NIV)

The word “AHEAD” jumped in my lap as I was reading this. I love the fact that God is going first and the people of Israel are following Him. That is a picture of how I should live out every day. He should lead me. I shouldn’t invite Him into my schedule of events, He should lead me into His schedule of events. I want His plans for me to be clearly implemented. I want to be about what He is doing or wants to do through me.

This pillar of cloud by day and pillar of fire by night has it all covered. I can’t imagine being among this large group of people. The men numbered over 600,000 and when I add 1 woman and 1 child for each man as average, there were at least 1.8 million people plus their livestock. This was a HUGE undertaking. God went ahead so that they not only knew when to move, but they also knew where to go. I need the Lord to lead me today and I’m going to look for the “pillar of fire” so that He can direct my path. When He moves, I want to move. Where He moves I want to be found following.

Pressing On!

Dwayne