February 19 (Numbers 9:22)
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.
(ESV)
Have you ever
watched toddlers and little children when they are with their parents and away
from home? They may run around in the
house and hang from the ceiling, but when they are in unfamiliar places, surrounded
by really big people, they cling right to mommy or daddy. If mommy turns down an aisle at the store,
the child’s little legs are quick to follow, and daddy’s hand means safety and
comfort when crossing a parking lot.
So it was with
the Israelites as they left Egypt for the land that God had promised them. He revealed His presence in a cloud, and this
verse depicts the absolute trust these people had for Abba, their Father. As long as the cloud stayed, they
stayed. Whether it was for a couple of
days, or a month, or more, their agenda to get where they were going was not
more important than being with and following God. They moved only when He did.
As for me, I like
speed. I want to get where I want to go
yesterday. That’s why this is such an
important verse. Do I attempt to drive
God with my agenda, or do I surrender to Him and let Him lead me? Am I in search a hurry to achieve this or
that or to alleviate some pain in my life that I rush out into the darkness in
search of my own solutions? I want to be
like the Israelites. I want to be like a
toddler before my Abba. I want to move
when He moves, stay when He stays, and always be with Him.
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