Monday, May 4

Exodus 13:17-22 

Crossing the Sea 

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 toward the Red Sea. The Israelites went up out of Egypt ready for battle. 

19 Moses took the bones of Joseph with him because Joseph had made the Israelites swear an oath. He had said, “God will surely come to your aid, and then you must carry my bones up with you from this place.” 

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. 

Devotional 

“If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.”  

Making positive life‑changes is rarely frictionless. Almost every time we repent—turning from one way of living toward another—we experience some measure of pain. 

You might choose the road of recovery from addiction, but that road will involve a battle with your own body and mind. You might decide to leave a toxic relationship, but that choice often includes a struggle against what feels familiar, even if it was harmful. 

In those moments of struggle, it’s easy to look back and wonder—Was it actually better in Egypt? 

When God led Israel out of slavery, He knew their limits. He knew that if they faced war too soon, they might turn back. So instead of the shorter road, He guided them along a longer, less tempting route. And even there, He went ahead of them—pillar of cloud by day, pillar of fire by night—so they always knew the way to freedom. 

We don’t see pillars of cloud or fire in the sky today. We don’t need to. At Pentecost, the fire that once stood outside God’s people now dwells within them. The Holy Spirit guides us not from a distance, but from the inside out. 

So be honest about your journey. Change is hard. You may feel afraid, uncertain, or like you’re taking the wrong step. That discomfort is often part of healing. But here is the good news: just as Israel was never alone in the wilderness, you are not alone in your journey. The same Spirit—full of fire, wisdom, and power—leads you from whatever enslaves you toward freedom, wholeness, and life. 

What journey are you on today? 
Where do you sense the Holy Spirit leading you? 

– Pr. Jason  

Let us pray: Liberating God, give me courage to continue on the journey to freedom you’ve called me to today. Speak loudly and light my way towards your promised land for me. Amen.