How are we to navigate the turbulent rapids of our post-Christian culture? I have been thinking recently about a biblical episode with simple but profound implications for us.
Exodus 13 forecasts the way God would lead his people from Egyptian slavery through an uncharted wilderness to their Promised Land. His method was simple: “The Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead them along the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night” (Exodus 13:21). Cloud and fire were manifestations of one “pillar”: “In the morning watch the Lord in the pillar of fire and cloud looked down on the Egyptian forces and threw the Egyptian forces into a panic” (Exodus 14:24).
During the day, God’s people were led through the hot desert beneath a blinding sun by a pillar of cloud with its promise of rain and shade. During the night, when they could not see the path and were especially in danger from animals and enemies, they were led by a pillar of fire that would enlighten and protect them.
Notice that God was “in” the pillar of cloud and fire. He did not merely promise his presence or send someone in his stead. Wherever he led, he was. As David testified, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me” (Psalm 23:4).
If this God could control the natural elements so easily, he could control every other dimension of their lives. And ours.
“The God who has been sufficient until now”
The day’s news can make us feel that we are wandering through a cultural wilderness with no Promised Land in sight. But our God is bigger than our biggest challenges. He knows the way we cannot see and leads all who will follow.
Charles Spurgeon: “He who would glorify his God must set his account upon meeting many trials. No man can be illustrious before the Lord unless his conflicts be many. If then, yours be a much-tried path, rejoice in it, because you will the better show forth the all-sufficient grace of God. As for his failing you, never dream of it-hate the thought. The God who has been sufficient until now, should be trusted to the end.”
Where do you need a pillar of cloud and fire today? Look there, for there you will find Jesus.
Jim Denison, Ph.D., speaks and writes on cultural and contemporary issues. He produces a daily column which is distributed to more than 113,000 subscribers in 203 countries. He also writes for The Dallas Morning News, The Christian Post, Common Call, and other publications.
