TOPIC: DIVINE GUIDANCE
Bible Reading: 2 Chronicles 23-25; John 16:16-33
“For the cloud of the LORD was upon the tabernacle by day, and fire was on it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel, throughout all their journeys.” Exodus 40:38 (KJV)
In our text today, God’s presence appeared as the pillar of cloud that led the children of Israelites and settled on the Tabernacle whenever they camped. And at night it became a pillar of fire, lighting up the Tabernacle.
The lesson here for us children of God is to be sensitive and learn how God leads. During the journey of the Israelites through the wilderness, they enjoyed God’s leading day and night. When the pillar of cloud lifted from the Tabernacle, trumpets were blown to announce that it was time to move camp. When the pillar of cloud stopped, they set up camp again. “Make thee two trumpets of silver; of a whole piece shalt thou make them; you shall use them for calling the congregation and for directing the movement of the camps.” Numbers 10:2 (KJV). Sometimes they were in one spot for a few days, and other times for months. They didn’t follow a pattern or conditions. They followed the LORD in the cloud.
Today, we have God’s presence with us in the Holy Spirit. We have the Holy Spirit of God dwelling in us. “That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us” 2 Timothy 1:14 (KJV). He’s leading us, guiding us, and transforming us into the image of Christ. He tells us when to move and when to settle down. If we rely on physical signs, we will not develop sensitivity to the leading of the Holy Spirit. We are actually more blessed than the Israelites, for God is leading each of us individually in a personal and unique way and as a body of believers. “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come”- John 16:13 (KJV) .
The trumpet we hear in these days that announces God’s leading in our lives is the Word of God and the leading of the Holy Spirit. As we seek God in his Word, He guides us in living a life pleasing to Him, He guides our intercessions, opens us to His promises, and answers our prayers. Jesus says in John 15:7 (KJV), “If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.”
Prayer: Father, lead me by the help of the Holy Spirit like the cloud led the Israelites in Jesus name.
Pastor Alfred Samuel