S) "36 Throughout all their journeys whenever the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the sons of Israel would set out; 37 but if the cloud was not taken up, then they did not set out until the day when it was taken up."
Exodus 40:36-37 (NASB)
O) The tabernacle had now been completed, "just as the LORD had commanded Moses." (which is a phrase repeated seven times in this chapter). Everything would seem to be back on track (after the incident with the golden calf, after Moses' trip up Mount Sinai). The following years would not be perfect, and there would prove to be so much struggle that the generation that saw the tabernacle completed for the first time, would actually pass away because of the troubles they had (or caused, depending on which circumstance we see). But, the one constant amid all of that turmoil, was that the people were still being led by the Spirit of God in that cloud. God would not abandon them. The Israelites were not lost in the wilderness for forty years, as some mistakenly believe. God led them, very purposefully, each day (whether by going or staying). He proved Himself faithful to them throughout this forty year exodus, never willing to desert them, despite their frequent infidelities. And, it is notable that they did continue to follow, even if the particulars of their daily lives were missing God's plan.
A) I have made the mistake of thinking, somehow, it might be easier to serve God if I had lived among the Israelites of the Bible. I see some of the obvious signs and think that I would figure it out. I've made the mistake of thinking I would be the exception - if only I could witness God's glory in such a way as seeing a pillar of cloud leading me. This is truly foolish! How could I now so easily miss the glory of God, seeing His manifested words in writing, in the Holy Bible I possess? It is so easy to forget; just as He was faithful to lead His people everyday in an obvious way, He is faithful now to lead me in a way just as obvious, if only I will make myself look for Him! His Word is that obvious manifestation of His will. If I am looking to His words every single morning, reading them, studying them, asking God to lead me or stay me, then He will faithfully respond by opening my eyes to see His will. The key is in my willingness to follow His lead every morning, whether I am going or staying.
P) Father, the faithfulness You display to me is gut-wrenching sometimes. I am so reminded of my obvious shortcomings as an unfaithful follower. All too often, I wake up everyday and just take off running. Too seldom, do I ever start my day by looking to You, to follow Your lead first. Father God, instill in me a new discipline. Lord, I want to change my habits. I want to start each day by first and foremost, giving You the time You so clearly deserve. You are worthy of all of my time, and You're worthy of my first and best. Even starting tomorrow, God, let me wake up and look to You first. Help me to slow down, so that I am not in such a hurry as I am distracted away from You. Help me to look first to Your Word, and in prayer let me consider the way I should go. Open my eyes to see and my ears to hear, because I want to follow You, whatever else may happen in my day. Be glorified. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment