I’m currently reading through the Book of Numbers and I had to stop at today’s verses and reread it a few times. It’s not a verse you will likely see on a t-shirt or shared on social media, but it reminded me of our need to be in step with the Lord. Isn’t that what a relationship is all about?
The Israelites were often disobedient, and there are moments you may be reading the Bible and think to yourself— wow they just never learn. Yet as we pause and read the Bible as God’s Word to us— remembering His Word is alive and active and still speaks to us today — then the Spirit reveals that we are also disobedient, that we need God’s grace just as much as the Israelites.
This passage says that it didn’t matter if the Israelites had to wait “two days, a month, or longer,” for the Israelites were in step with the Lord. When the cloud stayed at the tabernacle, they stayed in place; when the cloud was lifted, they moved onward. As I let this passage sink in, I couldn’t help but ask these questions— would I have the patience to stay, to wait, to be in step with the Lord? Am I currently in step with the Lord? Could I even recognize the cloud directing me? Reread the passage again. Pray over these questions. May you be in step.
“Whether it was two days, a month, or longer, the Israelites camped and did not set out as long as the cloud stayed over the tabernacle. But when it was lifted, they set out. They camped at the Lord’s command, and they set out at the Lord’s command. They carried out the Lord’s requirement according to his command through Moses.” – Numbers 9:22-23 [CSB]
Tania Gutekunst 