Today’s Scripture: Exodus 39:32-40:38; Numbers 9:15-23
Once again (Genesis 1:1-2) we find the Spirit of God hovering over the earth.
Then the cloud covered the Tabernacle, and the glory of the Lord filled the Tabernacle. Moses could no longer enter the Tabernacle because the cloud had settled down over it, and the glory of the Lord filled the Tabernacle.
Now whenever the cloud lifted from the Tabernacle, the people of Israel would set out on their journey, following it. But if the cloud did not rise, they remained where they were until it lifted. The cloud of the Lord hovered over the Tabernacle during the day, and at night fire glowed inside the cloud so the whole family of Israel could see it.
This continued throughout all their journeys. –Exodus 40:34-38
It’s so easy to read something in the Word of God and zoom right past it, but today the image of the Spirit-filled cloud lingered in my mind. It made me think of an early morning fog on an almost spring day.
In the South we have a lot of foggy evenings and early mornings, especially this time of year. I live about a 100 yards from the bay; it’s amazing to watch the fog roll in and settle in the trees between our house and the water. If you stay outside for more than a minute you can actually feel the mist from the fog.
I wonder…
- If the cloud of the Spirit of God was like the misty fog rolling in across the bay?
- If the Israelites could feel the of Presence of God as He hovered over the camp?
- If the Israelites saw God’s Spirit hovering over them as a sign of His love?
- If the Israelites took God’s presence for granted?
Can we have the Spirit of God hovering over us today?
And I (Jesus) will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you. –John 14:16-17
New Testament Christ Followers have it so much better than the Israelites. We have the Spirit of God in us, not just hovering over us.
But there is a problem.
It’s easier to follow something tangible like a cloud than to get quiet enough to listen and wait for the Spirit of God within us to direct us.
No wonder Satan, the enemy of God, works so hard to keep us mentally engaged with the things of the world; he doesn’t want us to get quiet enough to hear the “still, small voice” of the Living God.
What is God saying to you today?
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Love. Thank You for making a way for me, a sinful, ordinary human being to know the love of my amazing God, Creator, Savior, and soon coming King! Lord, speak to me today; show me Your way. Holy Spirit thank You for going with me on all my journeys.
In Jesus’ Name. Amen and Amen!
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©2012, Dianne Guthmuller
Tomorrow’s Scripture: Numbers 7:1-89
You know fog seems to serve no useful purpose…it is a sign for believers to be still? Never thought about it (fog) before this post. Interesting…
I love this! The next time we have a foggy morning I’m going to be reminded to be still and wait for God’s direction! Blessings!
Last spring, my church invited The Tabernacle Experience http://www.tabernacleexperience.com/ to our church. As I read your post, I was reminded of that awesome experience. I helped set up the tabernacle, and I volunteered in the “Holy of Holies” area. Don’t you just love it when God shows you a real-life example of a truth He wants to teach you? And I love your post today! Blessings!
Karen, I have heard of the Tabernacle experience but never experienced it. It sounds wonderful! Thanks for your comment!
If you ever get a change to experience it, I would highly recommend it! Great article!