Numbers 9:15-23.
A Lesson on the presence of God and the leading of the Holy Spirit.
This passage is taken from the journeyings of the Israelites to the Promised Land. A Nation that had the promise of God to guide and lead them all the way to Canaan.
Soon after leaving Egypt, Moses asked God 'If you do not go with us...'. Moses knew what that journey involved in the wilderness. He was a fugitive from Egyptian justice when he escaped to Midian.
In the same way we should know that our journey in this world, on our way to the Heavenly City, involves great dangers and difficulties so nobody should undertake that journey lightly. God's answer to Moses was, 'My presence shall go with you....' .
Two things should be clear to every believer who decides to follow Christ to the Eternal City.
1. We do not know the way.
2. We need God's presence and guidance all the way.
We only need to read the account of the Isralite's journey to the Promised Land, from the time they left Egypt, to see that it was full of dangers, attacks from enemy tribes, sea crossings, unknown paths, etc. We also face similar dangers while we walk though the darkness of this world on our way to Heaven. The Lord Jesus Christ made it clear that for those who want to follow in His Footsteps the path would not be a 'bed of roses'. However, one thing is clear, He promised that 'He would never leave us nor forsake us'.
In the same way that the Israelites were led for 40 years through the wilderness the God of Israel will also lead those who follow Christ promising that His Word shall be a 'Lamp to our feet and a Light to our path' .
Sometimes we shall grow weary and faint on the way, like they did, but we shall find that we press on as seeing the 'Invisible'. Paul the Apostle, nearing the end of his life, writes to Timothy 'The time of my departure is at hand....I have kept the Faith...' 2 Tim.4:4-6.
Moses, in spite of all the trials and tribulations, endured. By Faith we also endure seeing the One who hung on the Cross for our sakes. In looking to Jesus we press on not seeing the cloud by day and the fire by night but hearing the still small voice saying, 'This is the way walk in it'
What gives us the confidence to walk on that straight path? It is the assurance that we are the citizens of different country whose builder is God and the knowledge that God gave us the Ernest in our hearts, therefore we cry 'Abba Father'.
The Israelites knew that they were a possession purchased by Him whose token of the shed blood marked the lintel and the doorpost.
God knows that before He calls us to follow Him we have to face a path full of obstacles so He made provision to guide and lead us in our Christian Lives. The cloud by day and the fire by night guaranteed a sure compass for the Israelites on the way to Canaan.
We are reminded of the Apostle Paul and his companions journeying through Asia. The Holy Spirit forbade then repeatedly to head to paths they wanted to take. Only when they reached Troas did God reveal where He wanted them to go.
We often wish to push along on various paths we think are right only to find out that they lead to disaster, 'There is a way that seems right...' Pro.14:12, but we must be grateful for the Holy Spirit's
leading in our lives as He sees the way ahead. We need to be thankful to the Lord for His Abundant Mercy day by day. His leading and guidance is not an emergency act but a carefully planned road He wants us to follow.
What is our responsibility in all this? An obedience that says, 'Not my will but yours be done' .
Sometimes we may find ourselves perplexed not knowing what to do or where to turn. Be careful to show the right attitude, not like the Israelites. Their rebellious attitudes and presumption
led them to destruction and a 40 year delay in reaching their destination.
'Today, if you hear His voice harden not your hearts...'
