By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo
Numbers 9:17-19 “Whenever the cloud lifted from above the tent, the Israelites set out; wherever the cloud settled, the Israelites encamped. At the Lord’s command the Israelites set out, and at his command they encamped. As long as the cloud stayed over the tabernacle, they remained in camp. When the cloud remained over the tabernacle a long time, the Israelites obeyed the Lord’s order and did not set out.” – NIV
The Israelites were in the desert of Sinai. The tent of meeting and worship had been set up. And the sign of God’s presence in it was the cloud which settled above the tent. At night, it was like a fire. The cloud was their guide to move or remain. When it moved, it meant God was telling them to move. When it settled, they were to settle. The cloud represented God’s command.
God operates in seasons and times. There is a time to settle, and a time to move on towards what He has destined for us. This happens through change. The Israelites needed to watch the clouds to notice what God wanted them to do. If they continued to settle yet they were expected to move, they would miss out on what God had. Likewise, if they moved ahead when God wanted them settled, they would miss out. It was important to keep in step with God’s move for maximum benefit and blessings.
God now speaks and leads us in various ways, not the physical cloud. But the principle is the same; be sensitive and discerning enough to move when God expects you to move, and settle when He expects you to settle. What do you feel God leading you to do this season? Respond and move with Him. Whenever and wherever He leads, let’s obediently and faithfully follow. He means well and has our best interests in heart. Trust Him.
John 10:3-4 “The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.”
Shalom children of God.