A daily, 32-day Lenten Devotional Series by Rev. Dave Brown
The Way Through the Wilderness
I learned a song as a child that featured these straightforward words:
“My Lord knows the way through the wilderness,
all I have to do is follow.
Strength for today is my always, and all I need for tomorrow.
My Lord knows the way through the wilderness,
all I have to do is follow.”
As I reflect on these words, it appears to me that this is the message of the book of Exodus. In it the LORD reveals himself to his children, rescues them from bondage in Egypt, and leads them through the wilderness. In the process the LORD demonstrates his mighty power, his gracious provision, his holy pattern for worship and his promised presence.
If it is true that the LORD knows the way, then the second line is equally true. “All I have to do is follow.” Exodus says a great deal about following this LORD who knows the way. He called the Israelites to follow his directions on Passover evening, follow him through the Red Sea as he revealed the way by cloud and fire, follow his commandments for living as his holy people and follow his instructions for true worship.
The Book of Exodus has been called “the heart of the Old Testament”. Its message is fulfilled in the New Testament. It would be hard to find a single major topic of the Old or New Testament that is not exemplified in the book of Exodus. The Key to Exodus is in the name of the LORD, His supremacy and his saving action.” (Cole:18-19) Exodus looks back to promises made in the Patriarchal Age, looks forward to the arrival in the Promised Land and looks beyond to the final fulfillment of God’s promises in heaven. “When the song of the redeemed rises in heaven, it is the Song of Moses and the Lamb.” (Rev 15:3)
I learned many of the familiar lesson from Exodus as a child growing up in a Christian home. I have taught them as a pastor in Michigan and as a short-term Bible teacher in Siberia (in 2010). I have revisited these lessons at a recent Gospel Coalition gathering in Indianapolis. (TGC, September, 2023) As the season of Lent approached this year, it seemed appropriate for me to dig deeper and then write down the many lessons I have learned from Exodus.
It is good to rehearse the experience of liberation from bondage instituted by our gracious LORD, wilderness testing, revelation from God, entering into covenant with God, and the discovery of the pattern of worship he instituted among his people as that relates to our lives.
As I read, pray and write, I will remember the song that first guided me.
“My Lord knows the way through the wilderness, all I have to do is follow.”
I hope you will remember these words as well.
David Brown, Lent 2024
Dedications
Marsha Brown, my one true love.
Benjamin Brown, our graduating senior who is about to launch on his college dreams.
Eden Tyne Brown, our first college graduate in the family.
The churches and pastors of the Midwest Presbytery with whom I’ve had the privilege of serving as Stated Clerk for the last five years.
DeMyron Haynes and Jonathan Saunders who have been my pastors in Detroit
Acknowledgements and Resources
I am deeply indebted to several scholars who have studied the Book of Exodus before me. Each has been my teacher in one way or another. In fact, these devotional studies would never have happened without the expertise of these scholars.
Professors and Pastors, please accept these devotions as my final written exam. I have tried to give credit to you along the way, but there’s no way to acknowledge all the help I have received from reading your great commentaries and messages. If it seems that I have plagiarized your works, please forgive that oversight in acknowledging your contribution to my education. The credit belongs to you.
Alexander, T. D., Exodus in the New Bible Commentary, 21st Century Edition; IVP, 1994.
Dunham, Maxie, Exodus in The Communicator’s Commentary; Word Publishers, 1987.
Gispen, W. H. Exodus in the Bible Student’s Commentary, Zondervan, 1982.
Kaiser, Walter, Jr., Exodus in the Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Vol. 2, Zondervan, 1990.
Ryken, Philip, Exodus, Saved for God’s Glory, Crossway Books, 2005.
Stott, John, Through the Bible Through the Year, IVP, 1996
The Evangelical Dictionary of Theology, articles on Plagues, Hardness of heart, etc.
The Reformation Study Bible (Edited by R. C. Sproul) Ligonier Ministries, 2005. Superb notes are made on every page.
The Gospel Coalition, Hope in the Wilderness, Conference in September 2023, Indianapolis, IN.
Plenary speakers included John Piper, H. B. Charles, Kenneth, Mbugua, Miguel Nunez, J. D. Grear, Ligon Duncan, Andrew Wilson, David Platt. All added to my grasp of the riches of the Book of Exodus.
Attributions
All Scripture references are from the Holy Bible, English Standard Version, Copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by Permission. All rights reserved.
Cover Art: This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY