THE CLOUD OVER THE TABERNACLE

Numbers 9:15-23 / Keywords 9:18

At the LORD's command the Israelites set out, and at his command they encamped. As long as the cloud stayed over the tabernacle, they remained in camp.

 

1. The Tabernacle was a movable place of worship in the wilderness for the Israelites. When the Tabernacle was set up, the cloud of God’s glory hovered over it. The presence of God was evident by the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night. God wanted to dwell among his people. Jesus became flesh and tabernacled among us (Jn 1:14). After Jesus’ death and resurrection, the Holy Spirit dwells in the hearts of his people (Jn 7:39).

 

2. God teaches his people to depend on him and to have obedience to God. Whenever the cloud moved, the Israelites moved. When it stopped they camped. They didn’t know when to move, when to stop, or where to go. They had to be ready to move and ready to stop to follow God’s leading. God had been faithfully guiding them throughout their journey to the Promised Land. After we have been rescued from sin and death through Jesus’ blood, we become holy pilgrims to heaven, the eternal Promised Land. Jesus is leading our journey through his words and the Holy Spirit. To arrive and enter our Promised Land in heaven, we are to learn to depend on him and to obey his words and the Spirit. Where am I in my journey with God?

 

Prayer Lord, I am on my journey to heaven. Help me to depend on your guidance humbly and obey your words daily.

One Word Ready to move; ready to stop