Old Story, New Joy

For the past few weeks the girls and I have been reading through Exodus. We began on the stories of Moses coming to Pharaoh to release the Israelites. I think Emily is still too young to grasp the story, but Mya and I have thoroughly enjoyed it.

I have heard the stories countless times, but going through it now, have found so much meaning! Yesterday was really great, and I thought I would share "The Story".

And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so as to go by day and night. He did not take away the pillar of cloud by day or the pillar of fire by night from before the people. Exodus 13:21 & 22

This was the first part that was cool to me. God, knowing how fearful the people would be... having no clue as to where they were going, what they were doing.... He never left their sight. Every moment of the day, every moment of the night, not a step was taken without the direct guidance of the Lord. Imagine that!

And the Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he pursued the children of Israel; and the children of Israel went out with boldness. And when Pharaoh dre near, the children of Israel lifted their eyes, and behold, the Egyptians marched after them. So they were very afraid, and the children of Israel cried out to the Lord. And Moses said the the people, "Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace."

Here's another thing I found intriguing. "Be still. Do nothing! The LORD WILL DO IT ALL, and you will remain in PEACE." Wow...

Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the Lord caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all the night; and made the sea into dry land, and the waters were divided. Now it came to pass, in the morning watch, that the Lord looked down upon the army of the Egyptians through the pillar of of fire and cloud, and He troubled the army of the Egyptians. And He took off their chariot wheels, so that they drove them with difficulty; and the Egyptians said, "Let us flee from the face of Israel, for the Lord fights for them against the Egyptians." ...while the Egyptians were fleeing into the sea, the waters returned to it's full depth. Not so much as one of them remained. Thus Israel saw the great work which the Lord had done in Egypt; so the people feared the Lord, and believed the Lord and His servant Moses. Exodus chapter 14