Chronological Reading Plan for Feb 3, Ex 13-15

Today's readings are Ex 13-15. Tomorrow's are Ex 16-18. 

Look closely at Ex 13. The first of a series of feasts, the Feast of Unleavened Bread, is commanded by the Lord. Keep in mind, leaven is a biblical symbol for sin. God has delivered His people. They are to remember this deliverance by celebrating a feast without leaven. But, embedded in the instructions concerning the feasts are a startling number of detailed directives (see Ex 13:5, 8, 9, 11, 14, 16), all of them instructing the Hebrews on what to do when they arrive in the Promised Land.  They've seen the miracles, experienced the deliverance and have their guidelines for their new home in Canaan. They even have the presence of the Lord with them! He comes as a pillar of smoke and a pillar of fire and...He does not depart! He will never leave them nor forsake them!

Ex 14 shows us the Egyptians are *gasp* fickle! They're upset that Pharaoh has sent the Jews away!  God tells Moses, and we assume, His people, that Pharaoh will come after them and He will reveal His glory over Pharaoh and all his army. Of course this happens. But, when the Hebrews see the Egyptian army, we find that they are *gasp* fickle as well! They are fickle in spite of all the promises God has given them! They complain to Moses. Moses complains to God. God reminds Moses of the promises and tells him to do as He says. The waters are parted, the Hebrews cross on dry ground. The Egyptians follow and God destroys them, the most spectacular sign yet!

Moses composes a beautiful hymn, filled with even more promises of God. They arrive at Marah, where the water is bad and the people complain! Once again, God delivers them miraculously, sweetening the water. 

This dazzling display of a people allowing themselves to be governed more by their circumstances than by the word of God should lead us to ask, "Am I ever fickle? Do I lose sight of the promises of God when my situation toughens? How often has God blessed me and I've turned right around and complained? Do I fret more over what I lack than I am thankful for what I have?"