"GOD LED THEM!"

Exodus 13:17-22
"17 And it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that "GOD LED THEM" not through the way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for GOD said, Lest peradventure the people repent when they see war, and they return to Egypt: 18 But GOD led the people about, through the way of the wilderness of the Red Sea: and the children of Israel went up harnessed (equipped for battle) out of the land of Egypt. 19 And Moses took the bones of Joseph with him: for he had straitly sworn the children of Israel, saying, GOD will surely visit you; and ye shall carry up my bones away hence with you. 20 And they took their journey from Succoth, and encamped in Etham, in the edge of the wilderness. 21 And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night: 22 HE took not away the pillar of the cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people."



The "Prosperity Preachers" of television and magazine fame must not enjoy reading about the Exodus from Egyptian captivity by the children of Israel.  Although the deliverance from bondage was miraculous, it did not come without hardships, and many battles.  Over the forty years of arriving in the Promised Land, how many "ites" were defeated by the Israelis?  It seems GOD uses difficulty to exhibit HIS majesty and power In our lives.  At least, that is when we give HIM credit for it!

"GOD LED THEM" into the wilderness to avoid the Philistines because HE knew they would wilt under the warfare that would present itself to them. Although the Egyptians would be following them, GOD had a plan for the enemy. The Israelis had to wander for forty years in the wilderness, but "GOD LED THEM" to show HIS might to ALL as they went.

"GOD LED THEM" to the banks of the Red Sea where the Egyptians were pursuing them.  The Red Sea then parted and the children of Israel crossed and the Egyptians were consumed by the waters.  Some of the children of Israel were complaining that Moses had led them into the wilderness to die.  But GOD had led them to where only HE would be "honoured upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host" when the waters overcame them.  "GOD LED THEM" to a position where no one else could get glory for the victory over the Egyptians.

One thing we mustn't overlook, the children of Israel were "harnessed" (equipped for battle according to the ESV), but since "GOD LED THEM" no battle was necessary.  GOD may be leading you through a Red Sea experience.  If HE is leading you, the battle will belong to the LORD!  "GOD LED THEM" should be what all who observe our lives comment about us. One reason we don't see miracles of olden times might be because we can no longer say "GOD LED THEM"???