Today’s Reading, Exodus 39-40
Focal Scripture: Exodus 40:36 “The Israelites set out whenever the cloud was taken up from the tabernacle throughout all the stages of their journey.”
I am not sure about you but knowing when you are supposed to move in life can be difficult. It doesn’t matter if you are moving jobs, homes, cities, or even positions at your current place of employment. You will start asking questions and trying to figure out if you should stay where you are currently or make a move that can have a lasting impact. No matter what is decided, a decision will be made that will require you to be static or flexible.
In today’s reading we are with the children of Israel after the completion of the tabernacle. They see Gods glory as it falls down by either a cloud or a pillar of fire. They were also told that when the cloud hovered over the tent they were to stay and wait. However, when the cloud moved they were able to move. God gave them a visible sign of when they were expected to pack up and travel. This pillar of cloud was a visual cue and a personal reminder that the Lord was directing their steps.
It is not like that for believers today. We don’t have a pillar of cloud to look at that guided us on our journeys. If we did it would be a lot easier to make difficult decisions. It would also take the guess work out of our obedience. Thankfully, God still provides a way for his people to know his will and trust his leading. It comes in the form of the Holy Spirit.
You see we might not have a physical presence to follow. However, we have an internal advocate that guides us in everything we do in our lives. The problem is that many people don’t know how to listen. They put their own agenda above the Lords. As believers in the Lord our pillar of cloud is the scriptures and the spirit. If we have questions about where to move, we trust these two together. That is what will give us guidance. That is what will be our sign.
To do this correctly we have to be students of the word. We also have to be sensitive to the leading the spirit. Take time today to start training your heart and mind to be obedient to scripture and spirit. It will take some time but it is worth the effort.
Trust the Lord and the evidence he has given you to be obedient to him.
Tomorrow, I plan on reading Leviticus 1-4
