~ An Unfailing Guide ~

[Lani]

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 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.



Jesus said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life." John 8:12 (NRSV)


The night was dark; clouds obscured the moon and stars. I was on my tractor plowing he field before an approaching rainstorm made the soil too wet to till. The area I still had to plow was shaped irregularly. The tractor's lights illuminated only a short space ahead of me and a narrow strip on each side. I followed the perimeter of the field in ever-narrowing circles. The tractor lights enabled me to follow my previous circuit, but soon I lost all sense of direction. I had no idea which way I was going.

Then I looked up. Three miles away, I could see the four red lights of a radio-broadcasting tower. I knew that direction was south. As long as I could keep those lights in mind, I would know where I was; I should never get lost.

Sometimes I become similarly disoriented in life. I rush around, busily involved in making a living, raising a family, serving in my church and community, and countless other tasks. These good and necessary parts of life can close us in so that we see only our small circle, as with me on my tractor. Just as looking to the radio tower restored my sense of direction in the field, I can look to Christ Jesus to restore direction in my daily life.



Prayer: Dear gracious God, thank you for Jesus Christ, our light and our guide. Help us to follow that light. Amen

Prayer Focus of Day: Farmers

Thought for the Day: How does my life reflect Christ's light to those around me?

Story shared by: Lloyd K. (Canada)
Source: Upper Room Daily Devotional 9/13/12