Written by Corina Diaz, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministry in Argentina
When I read the story of Moses, I imagine the cloud that accompanied the Israelite people during their wandering through the wilderness, clearly displaying the presence of God, showing them His power and care.
On the day the tabernacle, the tent of the covenant law, was set up, the cloud covered it. From evening till morning the cloud above the tabernacle looked like fire. That is how it continued to be; the cloud covered it, and at night it looked like fire. Whenever the cloud lifted from above the tent, the Israelites set out; wherever the cloud settled, the Israelites encamped. (Num. 9:15-17 NIV)
We notice that the cloud accompanied the people, but above all, it guided and pointed them toward the place where they were to dwell; it was the actual presence of God, visible to them to indicate His constant presence. This is a wonderful fact: the presence of God was with them.
It reminds me of the times when I seek the presence of very close people in my life that help me feel more secure when facing important challenges, but it also invites me to remember that I don't need the physical presence of a cloud because Jesus dwells in my heart and leads my life.
There is another interesting characteristic of the cloud that accompanied Moses: this cloud contained the burning glory of God.
When Moses went up on the mountain, the cloud covered it, and the glory of the Lord settled on Mount Sinai. For six days the cloud covered the mountain, and on the seventh day the Lord called to Moses from within the cloud. To the Israelites the glory of the Lord looked like a consuming fire on top of the mountain. Then Moses entered the cloud as he went on up the mountain. And he stayed on the mountain forty days and forty nights. (Ex. 24:15-18)
We conclude that this cloud had two functions: to guide and provide shade for the people, and also to protect the people from the glory of God that burns like fire. I believe that the presence of God works for us in the same way; far or near we know that His presence accompanies us and protects us. Jesus, in turn, as an intermediary between us and the Father, takes us by the hand and allows us to have a direct connection with the Creator.
Are you looking to God to lead and protect you as you journey through life?
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