Whether it was two days, or a month, or a longer time, that the cloud continued over the tabernacle, abiding there, the people of Israel remained in camp and did not set out, but when it lifted they set out. At the command of the LORD they camped, and at the command of the LORD they set out. They kept the charge of the LORD, at the command of the LORD by Moses. Numbers 9:22-23
I continue my study of Numbers, and in the text today, Numbers 9:15-23, we see the people of Israel following the Lord in the wilderness as He gives them direction over the tabernacle as He provides a cloud by day and fire by night. Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.
- What do we learn from the text about God?: God was with Israel as the camped and moved in the wilderness - over the tabernacle as a cloud by day and fire by night - v16. The cloud and the fire served as God direction for them - if it rested over the tabernacle they remained in camp - v18. When the cloud lifted, they set out - v17. Seven times in the text we see Israel following the command of the Lord to either set out or remain in camp - vv18 (2x), 20 (2x), and 23 (3x). The duration of how long the cloud remained over the tabernacle did not matter - regardless of how they felt about remaining in camp, they "kept the charge of the Lord, at the command of the Lord by Moses" (v23). Such as true for believers today and key for them to understand how God alone provides this direction is the extent to which we abide in Him and allow Him to direct our steps. See John 15:5, Romans 12:2, Psalm 37:23, Proverbs 3:5-6, 16:9, 20:24, and Jeremiah 10:23.
- What do we learn from the text about people?: Believers should understand that God holds our lives in His hands and that we exist to glorify Him. We are very often tempted to take matters into our own hands when instead we need to lean into Him and to pray for His guidance to direct our steps. Even in waiting, God is at work - always.
- Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid taking matters into your own hands. Claim the promise that God has a plan for you that is hopeful and good (Jeremiah 29:11, Romans 8:28). Follow the example of Christ who remained in and followed God's will. Keep God's charge.
My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves. You have a plan for me that is good and hopeful. Thank You Jesus for directing my steps! I am not deserving of how You save and bless - I often see my own ways and my sin continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
