Protection and Direction
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Throughout all their journeys, whenever the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the people of Israel would set out. But if the cloud was not taken up, then they did not set out till the day that it was taken up. For the cloud of the Lord was on the tabernacle by day, and fire was in it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel throughout all their journeys.” Exodus 40:36-38 ESV
The stop at Mount Sinai, in the journey from Egypt to the promise land was one of great significance. Much happened during these days. The people saw the glory of God cover the mountain. Moses was on the mountain for 40 days supernaturally sustained by the Lord as he received the law of God. The people revealed their weakness in the sin with the golden calf.
Now all the offerings have been received for the Tabernacle and it has been constructed. All the furnishings for the Tabernacle and vestments for the priests have been made. God’ s people now have the foundation of worship and now they are truly ready to move forward in God’s plan and purpose for their life.
At times it can seem arduous and time consuming, but laying the proper foundation for our life’s journey gives stability and structure that is needed to face all the challenges that life will bring.
The Tabernacle was physical structure where the invisible God would make Himself known to His people. God’s presence was manifested among the people by a cloud during the day and a fire at night. These two manifestations allowed God’s people to know that God was with them at all times. He is the 24/7 God! He is not just the god of the day or the god of the night, or the god of the rain, or the god of__________. He is the ever-present God, The ever-present help in times of trouble.
In the cloud and the fire, I see protection and direction. I’m not sure if the cloud provided shade during the hot summer day for all of God’s people, but perhaps it did. The desert nights can be cold, dark and intimidating. The fire of God provided warmth and a divine “night light” to show that God was their protector.
As we read of the journeys of the Children of Israel we tend to forget about the picture of the constant cloud in their midst. Moses lead the people, but they followed the cloud. When the cloud stopped, they stopped. When the cloud moved they moved. When they grumbled, the cloud was their. When they celebrated victories the cloud was their. When they doubted and tried to take matters into their own hands, the cloud was there.
Our lives are never outside of God’s love, care and watchful eye. We can trust Him to be our protector, provider and guide. His presence in our lives makes all the difference. Without the visible reminder, it is easy to forget these powerful truths. But we have God’s Spirit in our hearts that gives us that assurance if we stay in tune with Him.
Prayer for today…. Lord, help us to know that You are the God who is with us in all of our journeys. You will protect, provide and guide as we keep our eyes on You and trust in Your unfailing love.