THURSDAY
This is how the book of Exodus ends:
Exodus 40:34–38 (NIV)
The Glory of the Lord
34 Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. 35 Moses could not enter the tent of meeting because the cloud had settled on it, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.
36 In all the travels of the Israelites, whenever the cloud lifted from above the tabernacle, they would set out; 37 but if the cloud did not lift, they did not set out—until the day it lifted. 38 So the cloud of the Lord was over the tabernacle by day, and fire was in the cloud by night, in the sight of all the Israelites during all their travels.
Here the tabernacle is called the tent of meeting. Remember, this is like the upgraded version of Moses’ original tent of meeting. In verse 35 the presence of God was so powerfully concentrated on the tabernacle that Moses could not enter it.
In verses 36-38 we see how God led his people through the desert. They weren’t led by the whims of Moses but by the presence of God. When the cloud lifted they packed up and followed it. When the cloud rested they settled. The people were totally led by the presence of God.
This is a lesson for us today—to seek to be led by God. We can so easily make our own plans and try to accomplish those plans in our own means. The story of the Exodus beckons us to be led by God. How do we know where God is leading us? This is the million dollar question. Unfortunately, there isn’t a formula to determine what God is saying. We exist with God in what theologians call an “I-thou” relationship, not an “I-it” relationship. God has a personality. We all have unique personalities as well. So, we don’t relate to God with only formulas and rituals. Imagine how boring a human relationship would be if that were the case. We relate to God by being in his presence, learning to hear his voice, and obeying when he speaks.
Reflection
How have you experienced the leading of the Lord in your life?