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Following God's Leading



Who is in charge of your life?  From where (or whom) do you get direction?  Our Israelite friends emulate for us how to give God control of our lives and follow Him. We see them make a lot of mistakes and disobey God, but as a group they really do follow His lead, especially in the encampment.  God's cloud moved whenever they were to set out and it settled where they were to encamp. Obedience to God keeps us in the will of God so our fellowship with Him can be close, strong and open. God says if we love Him, we will obey Him. (John 14:23)  He taught Israel obedience by leading them with the cloud.  

Numbers 9:17-23: “Whenever the cloud lifted from above the tent, the Israelites set out; wherever the cloud settled, the Israelites encamped.  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. When the cloud remained over the tabernacle a long time, the Israelites obeyed the Lord’s order and did not set out. Sometimes the cloud was over the tabernacle only a few days; at the Lord’s command they would encamp, and then at his command they would set out.  Sometimes the cloud stayed only from evening till morning, and when it lifted in the morning, they set out. Whether by day or by night, whenever the cloud lifted, they set out.  Whether the cloud stayed over the tabernacle for two days or a month or a year, the Israelites would remain in camp and not set out; but when it lifted, they would set out.  At the Lord’s command they encamped, and at the Lord’s command they set out. They obeyed the Lord’s order, in accordance with his command through Moses.” 

When did the Israelites set out? When did the Israelites encamp? Who controlled the cloud? Movement of the cloud is described here as having an unpredictable nature.  This removes the opportunity for the strong will of one who would try to lead in God’s place.  Irregular patterns of movement force the Israelites to trust God and rely on Him.  We have the same situation in our everyday lives.  God leads us and we do not know what comes next and we must trust Him that He knows what is best for us. 

Many laws were given to the Israelites after leaving Egypt.  Laws are for our protection.  Whenever you have a community, they need laws to govern their lives and interaction.  If there were no laws to protect the innocent, there would be an outcry among the people for justice.  God is just and He is giving them laws to let them know how to obey and worship Him as well as how to interact with each other justly.

Right before they enter the Promised Land under Joshua, Moses put a choice before the Israelites by the Spirit of God.  God set before Israel death and life, prosperity or destruction. (Deuteronomy 30:11-20) It is our choice today as well.  Whom will we serve?  Will we serve the Almighty, All-powerful, All knowing God of the Universe, or will we go our own way, serving ourselves and choosing things and other people over The One True God and Savior? 

Jesus Christ came to this world to show us how to live, to die on the cross for our sins (though He was perfect, sinless), to rise from the grave to conquer death and to ascend to heaven to give us eternal life with Him and prepare a place for us (John 14:1-4). All we have to do is believe.  If we believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of His being (Hebrews 1), we will be a child of God and God will send His Holy Spirit to live in us and change us (Ephesians 1:13). If you have not set this great decision in your heart, do not delay!  John the Baptist, Jesus Christ, the apostles and all Christians today share the same message: "Repent, the kingdom of heaven is at hand." (Matthew 3, Matthew 4:17)  Jesus is returning to take His people to heaven with Him. (Revelation 22:12-13) The Holy Spirit of God in believers gives us eternal life.  This life is not all there is.  We must repent of our sin, believe that Jesus died for our sins, and trust Him with our soul for redemption.  

 If you have already trusted in Jesus as your Savior, Celebrate your salvation!  Also, examine your life; is there something you need to address to be closer to God? What do you sense God is trying to lead you to do right now at this time in your life? How do you feel about this leading? Are you resisting His guidance? 
Pray about this situation and ask a close friend to pray with you about this situation. May God bless you all!

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