Last time, in our series on Why Christ Had to Die, we looked at how the role of the Levitical priesthood pointed to a greater reality–a day when the true Priest would not just sacrifice, but would become the eternal sacrifice for humanity’s sins. In this installment, we’re going to see the peculiar provision of God.
“Now on the day that the tabernacle was erected the cloud covered the tabernacle, the tent of the testimony, and in the evening it was like the appearance of fire over the tabernacle, until morning. So it was continuously; the cloud would cover it by day, and the appearance of fire by night.”
Numbers 9:15-16
God’s people–the Israelites–were liberated from Egyptian oppression, were given the Law of God to govern their everyday life, had accepted its obligations, and are now getting set to move from Sinai to the land promised to their forefather, Abraham. It is here that God’s provision takes again a peculiar shape–a cloud. Their desert journey begins with God’s provision through governance, and moves once again into God’s provision through physical protection from the elements, as well as a warning to all who are in their path. The nations will soon hear of God’s protected people…they will know…and they will have…
“…heard that You, O Lord, are in the midst of this people, for You, O Lord, are seen eye to eye, while Your cloud stands over them; and You go before them in a pillar of cloud by day and in a pillar of fire by night.”
Numbers 14:14
A testimony of God’s people–He is in their midst! Amen & Amen!
How Does This Apply to Us Today?
“Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, “I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you,” so that we confidently say, “The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What will man do to me?” – Hebrews 13:5-6
Are there times when you feel forsaken? Fearful of man…needing approval, affirmation, acceptance, etc.?
Just like Israelites of old, God does not abandon His people–He was in their midst, and He is in your midst as well. Who are God’s people? Those who have looked in faith to Christ–His life, death (sacrifice), and resurrection on their behalf–those who have transferred their faith from their life to Christ’s for them to be in a relationship with God.
Never forsaken. Never abandoned. Never without hope. Never lost. Never not cared for. Never alone. Never too dirty. Never too righteous. Never to far away. Never forgotten.
Always welcome. Always loved. Always chosen. Always protected. Always considered. Always a friend. Always saved.
God’s provision was a cloud for the Israelites as they journeyed in the wilderness to show forth His power, as well as to physically protect His people. Today, it’s His Spirit inside of the Christian–regenerating, converting, conforming, justifying, one day glorifying, and always preparing to reflect His love, mercy, grace, and joy to a world in need of walking, living, and a sharing people of God!
God has a made a way through Christ where there was otherwise no way. Now, let’s share it!
Glory!
— July 28, 2017