Moses recorded Israel's journey by stages. They left Ramses of Egypt right after the Passover, while the Egyptians were burying their firstborn. They traveled through the four deserts-Deserts of Etham, Sin, Sinai and Zin and camped at forty-two different places. Most of their way lay through the desert, which was uninhabited, untracked, and unfurnished even with the basic necessities of human life. It displays the power and wisdom of God. By God's mighty and merciful guidance, they not only survived for forty years, but came out as numerous and as vigorous as they went in. The listing of the journey served as a permanent memorial of the sin and rebellion of Israel, and of the faithfulness and long-suffering of God in leading them throughout the journey.

God leads us through his way to make us His chosen people and a holy nation. When we look back on God's guidance in each stage of our life, we can recognize that God's way in bringing us to Himself is the best way, although it does not always seem to us the nearest way. Our memories are often elusive. But we need to remember how much the Lord our God has led us in this desert-like world so that we can continue our life of faith, following God's way thankfully.


Application: Lord, thank you for leading my life journey through your words. Your way is always right.
One Word: Journey through the desert