January 6

And the angel of God, who had gone before the camp of Israel, withdrew and went behind them. The pillar of cloud also moved from before them and stood behind them, — Exod 14:19 BSB

It’s not always guidance that we need the most. Sometimes we’re called to stand still, surrounded by danger, and in those moments, God moves behind us to shield us. He always meets us where we are. When we need guidance, He leads us. But when we need protection, He stands between us and the threat.

There’s something powerful in the image of God moving from in front of His people to stand as a wall between them and their enemies. Some mother birds, like storks, shield their young with their own bodies in times of danger, taking the blow themselves. Human love does the same, often standing in harm’s way to protect a loved one. On the cross, Jesus did this for us, taking the full force of wrath so that we wouldn’t feel its terrible sting.

But Christ not only stands between us and our sins; He also shields us from dangers we aren’t even aware of. God is our shield. Many of the dangers we face sneak up on us, attacking from behind. The enemy is clever and often strikes when we’re least expecting it. How comforting it is to know that when the danger is behind us, Christ is there too, protecting us.