Guard And Guide

And the Angel of God, who went before the camp of Israel . . . gave light by night.

Exodus 14:19–20

It was the Lord Himself—a pillar of fire—who ushered the Israelites through the Red Sea. His presence cast darkness on the Egyptians but light on the children of Israel. What a perfect description of our Lord Jesus, who gives light to those who trust Him; but to those who reject Him, utter darkness. He comforts the one and confounds the other. He is a Savior to the one and a Judge to the other.

For His children, the Lord is both guard and guide. He precedes us and protects us. He is simultaneously our shepherd and shield. He is Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the One who goes before and the One who goes behind, gathering up our debris and our failures, blessing us, and leaving a blessing behind us for others.

When you feel the enemy on your heels, remember that He who is a pillar of fire goes with you. He’s “a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1).