Numbers 9:15-23 (NRSV)
God in the cloud and the fire
On the day the tabernacle was set up, the cloud covered the tabernacle, the tent of the covenant; and from evening until morning it was over the tabernacle, having the appearance of fire. It was always so: the cloud covered it by day and the appearance of fire by night. Whenever the cloud lifted from over the tent, then the Israelites would set out; and in the place where the cloud settled down, there the Israelites would camp. At the command of the Lord the Israelites would set out, and at the command of the Lord they would camp. As long as the cloud rested over the tabernacle, they would remain in camp. Even when the cloud continued over the tabernacle many days, the Israelites would keep the charge of the Lord, and would not set out. Sometimes the cloud would remain a few days over the tabernacle, and according to the command of the Lord they would remain in camp; then according to the command of the Lord they would set out. Sometimes the cloud would remain from evening until morning; and when the cloud lifted in the morning, they would set out, or if it continued for a day and a night, when the cloud lifted they would set out. Whether it was two days, or a month, or a longer time, that the cloud continued over the tabernacle, resting upon it, the Israelites would remain in camp and would not set out; but when it lifted they would set out. At the command of the Lord they would camp, and at the command of the Lord they would set out. They kept the charge of the Lord, at the command of the Lord by Moses.
DEVOTION
I have to confess that I am a little jealous after reading today’s Bible passage! It seems that the Israelites were granted the perfect system for knowing the will of God. This system was fool proof because God’s Spirit appeared as a cloud by day and a fire by night—leading and guiding them in the way that they should go!
I don’t know about you, but I wouldn’t mind a Holy Ghost GPS right now! There are many changes a-coming in my life! My children are getting older, my family is outgrowing our house, my parents are aging, my siblings are facing various health and/or relational challenges, and on top of all that I feel that a new call may be coming in my ministry that God wants me to prepare to accept.
WOW! Should I go forward? Backward? Left? Right? Under? Over?
Which way should I go? HELP!!!!!!
It is generally very easy to discern the wrong answers. For example, we should not cuss out our bosses, although they make us angry. We should not cheat on our spouses, although that man or woman on the job is surely fine! And we should not steal from the collection plate at church, although the light bill is overdue.
These are easy choices, right? But, how do we discern the will of God when the choices presented all appear to be right and holy?
For example, do I stay in my house and allow my children to share a room or do we move to a larger abode? Neither choice is sinful. Either choice might be pleasing to God. On the surface, there appears to be no right or wrong answer.
In cases like these, I pray that I live into God’s PERFECT will for my life, rather than God’s PERMISSIVE will for my life.
See, although neither choice is wrong or sinful, God knows which choice will most perfectly bless me and advance God’s Kingdom’s goals.
It is at times like these, that I would really appreciate if God’s Holy Spirit would lead me by cloud or by fire! But, alas, in these days, I have not heard of God doing this.
Instead, God has given us the gift of the Holy Spirit inside of our hearts. When a human being puts all of his/her faith in Jesus, Spirit takes up residence inside of the heart of the new believer.
Spirit then undertakes the work of leading and guiding, giving advice and counsel, teaching and rebuking, as Spirit simultaneously enables, empowers, and equips us to share the GOOD NEWS that Jesus saves and He saves to the utmost!
As we pray (and sometimes fast), we are called to listen to the “still small voice” of Spirit who leads us according to God’s Holy will.
When I am called to make decisions, I try to wait on Spirit to make my way clear. I listen for the voice of God speaking to me through The Word. Sometimes The Word comes to me as I read the Bible or pray. Other times The Word comes to me as others present the GOOD NEWS in homily/sermon or wise counsel.
I believe that one of the most challenging attributes for a human being to develop is patience! But, in today’s scripture, the Israelites had to learn to wait on God. They did not move until God said so. They could not go forward until God’s Spirit went before them. Whether God made them wait a day, week, month, or more, they had to be obedient, waiting in humble submission for God’s YES.
As Christians in the 21st Century, we need to learn to be patient. God is still speaking! God is still leading! God is still guiding! But, we need to learn to get still and quiet. We need to learn to exercise some patience. We need to learn to listen for the voice of GOD.
Spirit is at work in our hearts and minds making the way forward plain. Spirit will always lead us a-right. Spirit will always guide us into the most Loving alternative in any situation. Spirit will always help us to glorify God!
My dear friends, one thing is abundantly clear to me. God loves us and God is trust-worthy! God wants what is best for us and God is willing to lead us in the way that we should go...
Do you have any pressing decisions to make in the near term? Why not ask Spirit to guide you onto the right path?
Holy One, you have always led me along the right and proper path when I have followed you! Please help me to hear and heed the voice of Your Holy Spirit. I want to make the type of decisions that will glorify You, edify Your Church, and horrify Your enemy. Please help me to be patient. Please help me to wait on You. I know that You love me; You proved that when You gave Jesus to die on the cross to save me from my sin and gift me with eternal life. Help me to live into Your Love with the blessed assurance that You want what is best and good for me! I trust You with my whole life. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Congratulations to the people who have recently put all of their hope in Jesus! We celebrate your re-birth-day and promise to hold you in our prayers!
If you would like to put all of your hope in Jesus today, please visit my blog entitled, “Putting All Your Hope In Jesus” located at
http://aintathatgoodnews.blogspot.com/2009/04/putting-all-your-hope-in-jesus.html
If you have additional questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, "Come to Jesus"
http://aintathatgoodnews.blogspot.com/2009/03/come-to-jesus.html
Pastor Yolanda is now publishing another blog entitled, “A Spoken WORD” in celebration of Holy Hip Hop, Gospel/Christian Rap and Spoken Word. Please check it out @ http://aspokenword.blogspot.com/
You are invited to follow Pastor Yolanda on Twitter www.twitter.com/PastorYolanda
Good News has now added a Prayer Ministry. http://www.kindlejoy.com/groups/goodnews
You are invited to leave comments or questions regarding today’s devotional. These comments are public.
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Thanks for reading and please come again. Pastor Yolanda extends a very special welcome to all of our friends reading outside of the United States of America! We are honored that you are sharing with us today.
From Pastor Yolanda's blog http://aintathatgoodnews.blogspot.com
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