Shalom Dear Brothers and Sisters

Pillar of Fire

As I sat in my Sukkot just spending time there, many times there was a strong sense of the presence of the LORD with us. As the evening would come we would plug in the lights so we could see a little bit in the dark. I thought of how dark it must have been in the wilderness for the children of Israel except for the pillar of fire! He was with them in a cloud by day and led them as they left Egypt to go into the wilderness. I went back to Exodus 13 and 14 and marveled as I reread the account of the Hebrew children being led finally out of Egypt. I also realized it wasn't just the Hebrew children during the battle that was going on between Pharaoh and the one true living God, many of the peoples who were part of the Egyptian Empire at that time were headed for Goshen. They saw there was a divine protection over these people as their God continued to war against their enemy. Even some of the Egyptians themselves chose the God of Abraham Isaac and Israel over Pharaoh and hid in the homes with the Israelites on that last dark night. The next day they left in a hurry.

Just imagine all of these people with all their belongings leaving a place of bondage. As they headed out all of a sudden a dark pillar appeared out of the sky touching down to the earth for them to follow so as which way to go. What a beautiful picture of the very Word of God. When we read it through His eyes understanding it from a Hebraic mind set it to will guide our paths into the kingdom flowing with milk and honey the Kingdom of Light! Instead of taking them the short way into the promised land, Adonai took them into the wilderness. They were not ready for the battles they would have to face just yet. Also, the LORD first wanted them to get to know Him, I think. They had been crying out to the God of their fathers but they didn't know Him the way their fathers did. They had an established relationship yet.

At night He provided a pillar of fire to light their way as they walked to the place where they would settle and camp first at the edge of the wilderness at Etham where they could rest. Adonai new that Pharaoh would come after them, yet, He set that in motion. He had the children of Israel moved to another site and camp, little did they know what was coming. When they saw Pharaoh and all his armies coming they became afraid. Adonai had positioned them right at the edge of the Red Sea so that once again He would deliver them and destroy their enemies for ever!

The pillar of fire stayed behind them protecting them as they cross through the Red Sea on dry land! The Egyptian armies could not get past the pillars of smoke or fire until all the people who had left Egypt behind were safely across. Then Pharaoh and his arrogance drove his armies into the sea and they would drown and all the people rejoiced and praised the LORD. They were beginning to realize just how powerful and wonderful He was.

As I sat out in my Sukkot I wondered what it must've been like to be out in the wilderness at night looking at that pillar of fire feeling completely safe but having no idea where I was going. I realize that that same pillar of fire was still present today only this time it dwells within me. It doesn't always burn as bright as I wanted to or as strong. As long as I continue to stoke the coals blowing off the dead embers the Holy Spirit will be able to produce more fruit in my life.

It is during this great feast of Tabernacles that the LORD first came and dwelt with His people. They lived in a booth each family they work together in unity and love. We need to be doing the same thing today and much more. Adonai protected His people in the wilderness from all types of things. Everywhere they went everyone else was afraid of them because the presence of Adonai was with them always.

He still protects us from things we don't even know many times. Sometimes He lets us know how close we came to having an accident or being involved in, but for the most of the time we haven't got a clue. Every night I go to bed and I give thanks for everything He has done for me that day especially the way He has provided and looked after me that I may not know about! In the morning I thank Him for bringing us through the night safely and for a new day with fresh mercies and new opportunities to bring glory to His name! I know I can trust Him for He delivered me and redeemed me and has been there through every trial and tribulation that has come our way! His love is pure and in measurable until we all fall short, He lovingly and patiently guides us into all truth as we seek His ways in love and humility!

B'Shem Yeshua Hamashiach

In His Love, Theresa