Sunday Morning Series - Boundaries - The Cloud

Text:  Exodus 13:11-14:31

God is into boundaries (promised land) and restrictions (Exodus 23:31).

In our text, we see the Law of the Firstborn (verses 11-16). Why was the donkey treated differently? Donkeys were considered unclean animals, but they could be redeemed by sacrificing a lamb in their place. The owner of the firstborn male donkey had to decide if he wanted to pay the price to redeem it. The Israelites were instructed to tell their children about how a lamb was sacrificed for the firstborn male child. This is a picture of us (the donkey) and our Redeemer, Jesus, the lamb of God.

When the Israelites left Egypt, the Lord took them the long way. They weren't ready to face the battles in the Promised Land. They left Egypt with boldness, but when the pressure came they were afraid. The pressure came in the form of the Egyptian army chasing them. It looked like they were trapped, but God had a plan.

Moses encouraged the people not to fear because God was with them, and they would see the Egyptians no more. He was using a principle we see in the New Testament: declaring those things which be not as though they were.

The pillar of fire by night and the cloud by day led them. When the Egyptians came after them, the cloud/pillar moved behind the Israelites. While it was light for the Israelites, it was darkness for the Egyptians.

As long as the Israelites stayed with the cloud during the day and the pillar of fire by night, they were protected. It was a boundary God set. The boundaries of God's Word will bring freedom as we operate within them. They are fixed. God's command against idolatry, not being unequally yoked with unbelievers, and the tithe are examples of fixed boundaries.

On the other hand, God's leading them to the Promised Land via a longer route shows a more flexible boundary. He froze salt water, which is possible with extremely cold temperatures.

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If life is getting you down this holiday season, why not come out to Zoe Christian Fellowship? You'll learn Biblical principles and what it means to have a relationship with Jesus Christ. We're located at 1111 Easton Rd. (Route 611), in Warrington, PA. We look forward to meeting you.