And so it was, when the cloud abode from even unto the morning, and that the cloud was taken up in the morning, then they journeyed: whether it was by day or by night that the cloud was taken up, they journeyed. Or whether it were two days, or a month, or a year, that the cloud tarried upon the tabernacle, remaining thereon, the children of Israel abode in their tents, and journeyed not: but when it was taken up, they journeyed. At the Commandment of the LORD they rested in the tents, and at the Commandment of the LORD they journeyed: they kept the charge of the LORD, at the Commandment of the LORD by the hand of Moses. (Num. 9:21-23)
The Israelites during their wandering in the wilderness always moved or stayed as the Lord led them. When the cloud lifted up they would take down the tabernacle and break camp and follow the Lord wherever the cloud went. When the cloud, or the pillar of fire by night, stopped, the Israelites would set up the tabernacle and their tents and make camp. It didn’t matter how long God had for them to stay or travel they did it all at the command of the Lord through Moses who followed the cloud or pillar which represented the presence of the Lord and His direction.
Today we have the same Spirit which led the Israelites through the wilderness and the Word of God to guide our steps along the Way. The Spirit of God dwells within each believer who has trusted Jesus Christ for forgiveness of their sin through faith in Him and His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary. The same Spirit who showed Himself as a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night now manifests in the life of each of His people as they are obedient unto Him. He manifests gifts that His people may accomplish His will and do His work of reaching those who are lost and who do not have a right relationship with the Father through repentance and faith. God still commands His people to go where He sends and do what He wills, in missions, ministry, and discipleship as we reach the lost, teach all nations, and preach the Word until all who will have believed.
God has sent those of us that know Him out into this world to reach the lost that they might be saved from sin. He desires that His people strive to be holy and obedient unto Him that we might minister to those around us who are hurting and in need as He provides. We serve others, equipped with the Word of reconciliation and righteousness, rightly divided and fitly spoken, that they may see Christ in us, the hope of Glory. Our GOD has commanded us to love one another with an unfeigned love, even as He first loved us, and to disciple one another in the Word of GOD so that we may all grow in grace and in the Knowledge of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Our Lord has commissioned those who are His with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to go where He sends us in the power of the Holy Spirit. As we go, we are to proclaim the Good News of forgiveness through repentance and reconciliation with the Father through faith in His Son, that those who believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah of GOD might have life in His Name.
GOD is not willing that any should perish, but that all would come to repentance and the knowledge of the Truth. Jesus loves you and wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. Surrender to Him on His terms and He will give you a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. GOD calls you to faith in Christ and His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary to pay your sIn debt. He has provided the only way of reconciliation with GOD, forgiveness from GOD, and Salvation through Jesus Christ, the Son of GOD who is GOD the Son, to give you a new life in Christ. Turn away from yourself and your sIn and turn to Him alone for eternal Life, now and always.
In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet