Daily Reading: Numbers 9
Scripture Focus: On the day that the tabernacle was set up, the cloud covered the tabernacle, the tent of the testimony. And at evening it was over the tabernacle like the appearance of fire until morning. (Numbers 9.15)
Devotional Thought: It had been a year since they left Egypt. The Israelites had received the Law - including the Ten Commandments. They had experienced some distressing events. And, they had gathered the needed materials and constructed the tabernacle with all its furnishings. Leaving Mt. Sinai - the scene of lightning and thunder, of smoke and fire - they embarked on their journey to The Promised Land.
Would they leave God behind at Sinai?
No! God had a plan to assure them of his presence, to guide them in their travels. It was the fire and cloud of his glory. He was there in the morning when they arose from their rest. He was there in the evening when they returned to their tents. Guiding, guarding... the glory of God was there. But they must keep in step with the God of glory. When the glory set out, they set out. When the glory camped, they camped.
Oh, give me that cloud and fire! I want the presence of God to accompany me as I make my way to The Promised Land. I need the guidance, the protection, the vision, and the assurance of God for my journey. Every day I need to know that he is there. Every night I long for his peace to cover my soul. So, I must keep in step with his Spirit (Galatians 5.25). Through obedience, through faith, through holy living, I must set out and camp with him.
Prayer: Thank you, Father, for the promise of your presence for this day. I pledge myself to follow you when you set out and to rest in you when you camp. In Jesus' name I make my prayer. Amen.
Psalm of the Day: 14 The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. 15 Glad songs of salvation are in the tents of the righteous: "The right hand of the LORD does valiantly, 16 the right hand of the LORD exalts, the right hand of the LORD does valiantly!" 17 I shall not die, but I shall live, and recount the deeds of the LORD. 18 The LORD has disciplined me severely, but he has not given me over to death. (Psalms 118:14-18)
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