January 10th

January 10th -- Exodus 13:17-14:31 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus%2013:17-14:31&version=NLT)

Israel's leaving, but Pharaoh changes his mind... So God lets Moses part the Red Sea.
So God doesn't let the Israelites take the direct route - He guides them on one He has devised to keep them from battling anyone. Also, random fun fact, but they had to take Joseph's bones with them. He had requested it before he died - he made them promise to. God guided the Israelites with a pillar of fire by night and a pillar of cloud by day.

Then God tells Moses to camp somewhere, basically SO Pharaoh will chase them down. This is so God can once again show His incredible glory. So Moses did as God said, and Pharaoh came along with 600 of Egypt's best chariots, along with the others, and chased them down.

When the Israelites start to despair, God tells Moses to raise his staff and part the Red Sea. God allows the Israelites to walk through the sea.... and then the Egyptians give chase. When they do, though, God tells Moses to raise his staff again and the waters will go back to where they were. They do and the Egyptians don't make it. When the Isrealites saw this incredible miracle they put their faith into God.

Again, I find it a bit sad so many had to die... especially when we know they are not going to Heaven...
Also, one would think the Israelites would have been amazed by the pillar of fire and cloud, or even when God parted the sea, not just when He let it rush back in. Then again, they do spend the next 40 years wandering because they start worhsipping idols... so....

That will be all.
God bless!