All of us like to have an easy way, an easy day, no upsets, or frustrations. It is not possible in this imperfect world. Pharaoh let Israel go after the plague of the death of the firstborn in Egypt. However, God did not take them in the nearer way, but through another way. The nearer route was the coastal route, known as ‘the way of the sea’ was the most common route to go from Egypt to Canaan. That route was used for trade, and food supply, and could be easy. (Exodus 13:17-18)
Sovereign: God is Sovereign, and He is Lord of all that is seen and unseen. He decides how He would lead His people and rule the earth.
Danger: The Children of Israel may not have known that the Egyptian garrisons and camps were en route. If there was war, the untrained slaves could change their minds to return to Egypt.
Wisdom: God is wise that he knows the future, the unknowable contexts. Apart from the Egyptian camps, there could have been other dangers. God chose a safe way that would train and equip the slaves to be soldiers and citizens.
Plan and Purpose: God’s plan of the journey had a definite purpose. The process of the wilderness journey would train them as people of God. There was a great task to make the redeemed people as transformed people.
Training: The pilgrimage or journey was designed as training for the nation. There are many aspects of training the Children of Israel had. First, is the training in faith. God taught them faith, that they could trust God in all circumstances. The Red Sea before them and the Egyptian army behind them need not terrify them. They trusted God for their protection; they were baptized with that faith. (I Corinthians 10:2) Second, the Lord taught them the pattern of worship. The Tabernacle was erected and knew the Holy God, His requirements, and the Ten Commandments. Third, they also learned to wait on the Lord. Four, they became ‘one people.’
Do I rejoice in following His Way?