“By day the LORD went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way…”  –Exodus 13:21

God’s Presence: Our Guide

Clouds are often associated with the presence of God.  And in the book of Exodus, the glory of the LORD appeared in a cloud to guide the Israelites through the desert.  “…the whole Israelite community…looked toward the desert, and there was the glory of the LORD appearing in the cloud” (Exodus 16:10).

“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.  Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people” (Exodus 13:21-22). 

The Israelites’ 40 year journey of wandering through the desert is one we often think of as full of complaints and disobedience.  Rightly so, it was, however there were many miracles through the LORD’s presence giving them both protection and provision along the way.

God’s Protection:  Our Shield

Moses prophesied to the Israelites when he said…“Do not be afraid.  Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today.  The Egyptians you see today you will never see again.  The LORD will fight of you; you need only be still” (Exodus 14:13-14).  This bold proclamation would soon be fulfilled, but not before “…the angel of God, who had been traveling in front of Israel’s army, withdrew and went behind them.  The pillar of cloud also moved from in front and stood behind them, coming between the armies of Egypt and Israel.  Throughout the night the cloud brought darkness to the one side and light to the other side; so neither went near the other all night long” (Exodus 14:19-20).  

What an incredible shield of protection between the Egyptians and Israelites-remember the LORD was in the cloud!  And he gave Israel time to distance themselves from Pharaoh’s army through the sea, in the light of day, brought on by the glory cloud of God! 

God further protected the Israelites, fighting for them after Moses parted the waters when, “During the last watch of the night the LORD looked down from the pillar of fire and cloud at the Egyptian army and threw it into confusion” (Exodus 14:24).  Ultimately the army and its chariots did not make it and they were swept away by the mighty waters.  The LORD delivered the whole nation of Israel from the ruthless Pharaoh and his army by a miraculous shield of protection, through his pillar of cloud and mighty outstretched hand.    

God’s Provision: Our Daily Bread

Then the LORD said to Moses, “I will rain down bread from heaven for you.  The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day…“ (Exodus 16:4).  

God’s mighty hand also gave provision for the Israelites through bread and meat each day after God heard their grumbling in the Desert of Sin (appropriately named).  They were complaining and grumbling against Moses and Aaron, as they often did.  Ultimately, though, it was sin against the LORD. The LORD said to Moses, “I have heard the grumbling of the Israelites.  Tell them, ‘At twilight you will eat meat, and in the morning you will be filled with bread.  Then you will know that I am the LORD your God'” (Exodus 16:11). 

So God provided quail (meat) in the evening and manna (bread) in the morning.  “That evening quail came and covered the camp, and in the morning there was a layer of dew around the camp.  When the dew was gone, thin flakes like frost on the ground appeared on the desert floor…Moses said to them, ‘It is the bread the LORD has given you to eat'” (Exodus 16: 13-15). 

The same LORD that so graciously and lovingly provided for his children in the desert is the same Heavenly Father today who will provide for us our daily bread.  This daily bread is not some physical manna from heaven, rather it is Jesus Christ himself-“the true bread from heaven” (John 6:32).  “For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world” (John 6:33). Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life.  He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty” (John 6:35).

Let’s come to the table and remember that Jesus is our daily bread-we can believe in him each day and be satisfied.  For he is our LORD: both guide and shield.  Just as God was with the Israelites in the desert through a pillar of cloud, so God will be with us.  His presence is what we need and truly long for!

“The LORD will guide you always…”  – Isaiah 58:11

“The LORD is my strength and my shield…” – Psalm 28:7

“Give us today our daily bread.” – Matthew 6:11