A Love that Sacrifices

The story of the Israelites’ journey through the desert to the land God promised them is striking in many ways. One of my favorite parts is in Numbers 9:17, “Whenever the cloud lifted from over the sacred tent, the people of Israel would break camp and follow it. And wherever the cloud settled, the people of Israel would set up camp.â€

By night, God would lead the Israelites in a pillar of fire, and by day He would lead them in a cloud. It was a stark reminder of God’s intimate presence with His people as well as a visible cue guiding the Israelites to their next destination. Should they camp another day or week or month? Look for the cloud. If the cloud moves, follow.

It sounds so simple. Often we wish we had a cloud to follow, some visible sign in the sky to show us God is with us and to show us what to do and when to do it. Yet, where the Israelites had a cloud, we have the Holy Spirit. In John 14, Jesus promised His disciples that though He was leaving, He would be with them through the Holy Spirit, guiding and teaching them. The cloud example in the Old Testament points to the role of the Holy Spirit in our lives now.

Recently, my wife and I contemplated a move to California. It’s where I was born and raised, and it had long been a dream for both of us to move there. Through a series of events, we both saw the cloud moving. We were excited. Then we realized the cloud was moving not to California but to Texas. So here I sit in my new house, a new Texan. When the cloud moves, when the Spirit makes it clear that it’s time to move, you want to follow the cloud. We followed.

Christ made a way for us to be in relationship with Him through His life, death, and resurrection, and He didn’t stop there. He promised a Helper—the Holy Spirit— to be with us always. Jesus has not left us as orphans. Even as we await His return, He is with us. • Mike Hurley

• Why did God provide a cloud for the Israelites to follow?

• Have you ever experienced the Holy Spirit leading you to make a decision? What was it like?

• If you’ve put your trust in Jesus, He is always with you through the Holy Spirit. How could this affect the way you make decisions about the future?

“But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I [Jesus] have told you.†John 14:26 (NLT)

Read Verses:

John.15.12-John.15.13|2Tim.1.16-2Tim.1.18|1John.3.16-1John.3.18