By Douglas K. Wilson, Ph.D.
Dean of Christian Studies, University of Mobile
GOD LEADS
Numbers 9:15–23
God calls His people to follow His lead. In the time of wilderness wanderings God manifested His presence visibly for Israel to follow. When the people rejected His reign over them God established an earthly kingdom in which He would lead them through kings and prophets.
In the fullness of time God tabernacled among humanity in the person of Jesus of Nazareth. Since the day of Pentecost the Holy Spirit has been convicting, sanctifying and conforming believers to the image of Christ.
From Exodus 18 to Numbers 10 the tribes of Israel were camped in the wilderness of Sinai. They were preparing for their journey toward the promised land. In our focal passage here Moses is recounting God’s plan to lead the Israelites along their journey, just as it was recorded in Exodus 40.
The Presence (15–16)
Following the creation of tabernacle components by master artisan Bezalel and his fellow craftsmen the meeting place for worship was consecrated for service.
These men had been uniquely gifted by God and they utilized their artistic abilities for the glory of God. Though their work would be used for generations, it was God who was to be the center of worship in Israel.
The Lord made His presence known in tangible ways. During the heat of the day He protected them by means of a pillar of cloud. In the cool and darkness of the desert nights He centered their attention through the light of a pillar of fire.
He began to lead Israel through His divine presence after the first Passover (Ex. 13:21–22), but after the completion of the tabernacle the Presence was displayed over the holy place to let Israel know when to move and when to stay.
Throughout Scripture we see that our infinite God makes His presence known through His created order. The heavens declare His glory (Ps. 19:1). His invisible attributes and sovereign hand are clearly seen so that humanity is without excuse (Rom. 1:20).
The Practice (17–22)
Faith in God is more than simply believing that God exists. Faith is taking God at His word, and obedience to God is the fruit of saving faith. After spending several months at Sinai, Israel received instructions for responding when the presence of God moved.
When the Presence lifted up off the holy place that was the indication for the Levites to pack up the tabernacle. The surrounding tribes followed suit and everyone prepared for following wherever He led.
“Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.” These words of Jesus in the model prayer indicate that disciples of Jesus make it a practice to follow God’s direction and to trust God’s plan. For believers today God manifests His presence through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
The Principle (23)
God entrusted Moses to be His spokesman. When Moses said stay, Israel stayed. When Moses indicated it was time to leave, the Levites packed up and the tribes prepared to move.
The principle is: “Remain faithful to your work where you are until God moves you.” The Israelites waited in the wilderness of Sinai until Moses informed them it was time for them to strike camp.
Disciples in the early church witnessed faithfully in Jerusalem until the persecution of Saul scattered them throughout Judea and Samaria. Remaining faithful where you are is essential. After all why would God entrust us with responsibility elsewhere if we run away from what He has already given us to do?
Believers today need to discern God’s leadership for their lives. Praying for discernment is critical. Studying God’s word offers instruction. Listening to godly counsel from pastors and teachers can provide perspective. Looking at our circumstances is necessary, but this alone must not be our sole means of discernment. Trust and obey.
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