The Morning Watch
And in the morning watch the Lord in the pillar of fire and of cloud looked down on the Egyptian forces and threw the Egyptian forces into a panic,
Exodus 14:24 ESVAnd in the morning watch the Lord in the pillar of fire and of cloud looked down on the Egyptian forces and threw the Egyptian forces into a panic,
Picture taken during my vacation with loved ones in New Hampshire
God is ever vigilant, ever watchfully of you. In this verse the Israelites are fleeing from the Egyptians and God has parted the Red Sea to make for their escape. During this time as the children of Israel were leaving Egypt, God had a visible pillar of fire and cloud in front and behind the people constantly, day and night. This was a visual comfort for the Israelites to reassure them of God's presence. The verse says in the morning watch, God looked down. The morning watch as you may know is when someone is posted to guard others in the early morning time, to be observant and to be on the look-out. And when God saw the Egyptians pursuing His people, He sent them in a fury of confusion, sabotaging their efforts to recapture the Israelites. This is the same Lord God who looks over you and fights for your freedom, safety and health. Sometimes these old Bible stories are so familiar to us we loose the real truths nestled between the lines. God in His almighty power looked down from His throne and saw His people in trouble and rescued them. My God, He is a more than a Superhero, He is the epitome of power, love and strength. "The Lord will keep you from all harm - He will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore" Psalms 121:7,8
He protects us because He knows we need protecting, He considers you to be His child, we are not left alone to fend for ourselves in this wicked world and what a comfort it is to know that! The daily news reports are saturated with crime and natural disasters that strip the world and leave us feeling vulnerable and alone. "If you make the Most High your dwelling - even the Lord, who is refuge - then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent" Psalm 91:9, 10 Those with small children worry about the world that they are exposed to BUT we have God!! God who has redeemed you is a very present guardian, watching over you by His Holy Spirit. Trust in God, cast your cares on Him for He is listening and watching, eager to hear from you. He will protect you from your enemies and shelter you from anyone who wishes you harm. He is our protector and Saviour. In Him we have everything we need.
Dear Jesus, we come to you in a time of turmoil. Our world is full of wars, riots and crime. People do ill to one another and wickedness overflows. But we know that you reign oh Lord and that you see everything and you dispense justice and protection. Protect us as we sleep, protect our loved ones and the precious children. We call upon the Word of God which shows your promise of shelter and we hold true to it. Thank you Lord for looking over us and gracing us with your presence.
