Numbers 9:15-23
Verse 23: 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.
These verses made me smile because of their repetition. When the cloud goes up, you must move camp. When it comes down, stop and camp. Up, move. Down, camp. On the one hand, it almost sounds comical. But God needed to guide the Israelites in a very concrete and unmistakable way. Even with instructions directly from God, mistakes are made. The people needed to wait on God to get on with what was important to them, moving through the desert. The cloud might sit over the tabernacle for many days, causing them to wait. God was in control. In some ways, it was as if God were training the Israelites to look to him for guidance. I need to work on that communication so it becomes clearer to me whether to move or to camp. Any decision I make should include God, listening for His guidance.
Holy One, help me to stop and listen for you. You are there for me, with direction. Amen
Becky, transforming
pic by Kay
Numbers 9:15-23
As parents, “are we there yet” was a common question we often heard, especially on a long trip. The question was because of the excitement, anticipation and anxiety for the journey to finally take them to where where they wanted to be. I often wondered what it would be like to have God clearly guide me exactly where to go and what to do.How many times have I prayed, Lord if you would just tell me exactly what you want me to do, I will do it. Well as my spiritual journey continues I do not tell God what I want he tells me what he wants. I realize that God does not work on my time l…
Numbers 9: 15-23
23 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.
This verse sums up all the verses. It reinforces that God is always with us. No matter what we are going through, good or bad, God is there. I was thinking about God’s presence in my life today, and I realize that knowing I can pray and call on him, gives me comfort. I don’t have to look around for any one person to talk to, I always have God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit close and willing to listen. What a wonderful gift, the belief in God is. The…
Numbers 9:15-23
The message is repeated in this reading over and over. Have faith and follow God’s command. The Israelites did not know why God said to stay put or why He said to move. They followed His command and ended up in the Promised Land. We do not always have a specific set of commands to follow but we do have the bible that tells us the way to go. The way will lead to the Promised Land for us too.
Dear Lord, I wish I had clear signs to tell me when to go and where to go but I will try to find my way through the written word and through prayer. Amen.
Numbers 9:19 - “Even when the cloud continued over the tabernacle many days, the Israelites would keep the charge of the Lord, and would not set out.”
I tend to glory in bright sunny days, feeling energized and anxious to go about my tasks. On cloudy days my mood is less upbeat, but this passage suggests to me this is the perfect kind of day to slow down and give time to be with and commune with God. Sometimes busyness gets in the way of relationship. I will try to put this into practice going forward. t ion
Prayer - God of rest, open my heart and mind to slow down and spend time with You. Help me see cloudy,…
23: so they camped or traveled at the Lord‘s command: and they did whatever the Lord told them through Moses. I imagine that this was frustrating for the Israelites. Stop and camp when you’ve just started and can’t wait to go further. Stay longer than you feel you need to. I am sure that, through Moses, they learned to accept God‘s commands as best for them. Sometimes I wish I had as clear a sign from God about what I should be doing. When should I work harder at something, or when should I rest without feeling guilty? Although the signs are not as clear as the cloud and fire, I have my church families and my Bible as guidance a…