Numbers 9:22,2322Or whether it were two days, or a month, or a year, that the cloud tarried upon the tabernacle, remaining thereon, the children of Israel abode in their tents, and journeyed not: but when it was taken up, they journeyed. 23At the commandment of the Lord they rested in the tents, and at the commandment of the Lord they journeyed: they kept the charge of the Lord, at the commandment of the Lord by the hand of Moses. (Numbers 9:22‑23)
Our God is light: and though we go
Across a trackless wild,
Our Jesus’ footsteps ever show
The path for every child.
At every step afresh we prove
How sure our heavenly Guide;
The faithful and forbearing love
That never turns aside.
IF ONE stayed behind after the pillar of cloud moved on, he would not find any manna on the ground for him the next morning. So if they had not gone with the cloud, they must have missed their daily bread. But there would be food in abundance about the camp, and light from the pillar of fire. May we seek grace to go on with the Lord, no matter what the trials and difficulties of the way might be, and we shall find in His presence “food in abundance” and light for our path.
When there was faith to simply trust the Lord, the heart would be at rest; but unbelief would not rest when the cloud stopped, and would lag behind when it moved on.
At times the people might travel by night and the pillar of fire would give light for the way. The darkness might increase, but the light would only shine the brighter. Surely we are in the darkest period of the church’s history, for these are the “perilous times” and the “last days.” But whatever the difficulties and sorrows that may come, the Lord will be with His people, and if we really look to Him, the greater our need, that much more grace and guidance will He supply for the way. The future is just as clear to Him as the past and what we need is that simple dependence upon His love and care. The great thing is to have our eyes on the cloud. If it moves forward, we go forward; if it stays, we are content to rest.
In these days of confusion, we need more than ever the anointed eye so that we might see clearly (Rev. 3:1818I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. (Revelation 3:18)). We need the upward glance to Him, who alone can give light. If we move without Him, or if we tarry behind when He moves, we move without light. May He keep us all looking up, as we joey on.
Oh, walk with Jesus, would’st thou know
How deep, how wide His love can flow!
They only fail His love to prove
Who in the ways of sinners rove.
Walk thou with Him; that way is light,
All other pathways end in night:
Walk thou with Him; that way is rest,
All other pathways are unblest.
Oh, walk with Jesus! to thy view
He will make all things sweet and new;
Will bring new fragrance from each flower,
And hallow every passing hour.
ML-06/24/1973