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: 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. Exodus 13:17-18

Finally Pharaoh let the Israelites free, however because of Pharaohs disobedience it came with a price. However as God led the Israelites through the Wilderness to freedom, he didn’t take them on the easy path, He took them on a rough road never traveled

This is much like our Freedom in Christ, when we get saved we might believe life will be easy now. That’s not what God promised, He promised us salvation but He never promised us an easy life. God had a purpose for the Israelites tough journey, just as He has a purpose for ours!

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. And they took their journey from Succoth, and encamped in Etham, in the edge of the wilderness. Exodus 13:19-20

Notice Moses took the bones of Joseph with them as a reminder. Why? Remember Joseph didnt have an easy life either, he was hated by his brothers and sold into slavery. He was falsely accused of crimes and thrown into prison. However God blessed his faithfulness and obedience, and raised him up as leader over Egypt. Joseph was a foreshadow of Christ to come!

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: He took not away the pillar of the cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people. Exodus 13:21-22

Notice that God was with the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness. God didnt just send the Israelites out and say “Good luck” No He was with them, in their midst, through the good and the bad!Imagine being an Israelite and seeing that Cloud of Fire knowing that it was the Great I AM, oh what comfort it would bring!

Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; And did all eat the same spiritual meat; And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. 1 Corinthians 10:1-4

The Apostle Paul gives us further insight via the Holy Spirit. Who was with the Israelites through the Wildnerness? It was Jesus Christ, God incarnate! Who is with you today going through the Wilderness? It is Jesus Christ! Just as the Israelites were freed from slavery and gone through the Wilderness to the Promised Land , Christ was with them! And just as you were freed from the slavery of your sin, going through the Wilderness to the New Heavens and Earth, Christ is with you also! Amen!