“Moses took the bones of Joseph with him because Joseph had made the Israelites swear an oath. He had said, “God will surely come to your aid, and then you must carry my bones up with you from this place.” Exodus 13:19
“Then the Lord said to Moses, 2 “Tell the Israelites to turn back and encamp near Pi Hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea. They are to encamp by the sea, directly opposite Baal Zephon, 3 Pharaoh will think, ‘The Israelites are wandering around the land in confusion, hemmed in by the desert.’ 4 And I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and he will pursue them. But I will gain glory for myself through Pharaoh and all his army, and the Egyptians will know that I am the Lord.” So the Israelites did this.” Exodus 14:1-4
Lord God,
Joseph knew You, God would take your people back to their own land – that’s why he assured them by asking them to take his bones with them. Not because he wanted to be buried there but that they would know it would happen! Joseph trusted You for the long run, Lord, grow our faith.
The Israelites must have been a little confused when they turned back to make camp. They could not see what You see Lord. Then they would have been terrified and worried all night about crossing the Red Sea with all their belongings and children. Deep or muddy shallow. We cannot always see what people are really feeling. We cannot know all that You, God are doing in peoples lives around us and what effect we are having on them. Jesus said we should be like a light on a stand, giving light to everyone all around (Matthew 5:15). Not just those we like . . . In other words letting our good deeds shine out for all to see. It is not always our business to know – in case it starts us thinking how good we are!
When it seems the enemy is getting close and those times we seem to be in a hard place, help us to see we may be close to a breakthrough. And You, God dealing with our enemies. Help us stand firm, stay faithful, and shine.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen
Worship Saturday 8th February 2025
I rediscovered this recently and only recognised it at the chorus. Fabulous lyrics and worship.
We’re pilgrims on the journey of the narrow road
And those who’ve gone before us line the way
Cheering on the faithful, encouraging the weary
Their lives, a stirring testament to God’s sustaining grace
Surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses
Let us run the race, not only for the prize
But as those who’ve gone before us
Let us leave to those behind us the heritage of faithfulness
Passed on through godly lives
Oh, may all who come behind us find us faithful
May the fire of our devotion light their way
May the footprints that we leave lead them to believe
And the lives we live inspire them to obey
Oh, may all who come behind us find us faithful
After all our hopes and dreams have come and gone
And our children sift through all we’ve left behind
May the clues that they discover and the memories they uncover
Become the light that leads them to the road we each must find
Oh, may all who come behind us find us faithful
May the fire of our devotion light their way
May the footprints that we leave lead them to believe
And the lives we live inspire them to obey
Lyrics: Steve Green