Exodus 40:34-38

 34Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. 35 Moses was not able to enter the tent of meeting because the cloud had settled on it, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. 36 Throughout all their journeys whenever the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the sons of Israel would set out; 37 but if the cloud was not taken up, then they did not set out until the day when it was taken up. 38 For throughout all their journeys, the cloud of the LORD was on the tabernacle by day, and there was fire in it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel.

 

When the Tabernacle (an elaborate tent where God would meet with His people) of Israel was finally completed, the Lord came and filled it.  This glory was observable to the nation in the form of a cloud which rested on it by day and a fire by night.  Thus, Israel needed no further confirmation of the Lord’s presence than to simply look toward the Tabernacle and see the Lord’s cloud or His fire.  And when the cloud or fire moved off of the Tabernacle, God’s people knew it was time to break camp and move on, in whichever direction Lord indicated.  They didn’t need compasses or maps; they simply followed wherever the Lord led them.  We often think of Israel has having been lost in the Wilderness, but—but according to this text, the nation was never really lost, physically speaking.  They were simply following God, despite outward appearances to the surrounding peoples of the land.

For Christians today, our direction through the wilderness of this life is to come from God, as He reveals Himself to us in His word, the Bible, and through His indwelling presence in the soul—His Holy Spirit.  Has God communicated to you that you are to remain in a place or situation, worshiping Him and participating in the community around you?  You may feel a strong desire for other places, new experiences and challenges, and yet the Lord would have you stay where you are at, trusting Him and learning whatever lessons He has for you.  Or, perhaps He is showing you that it is time to move out in a new direction, participating in a new ministry, or taking on a new challenge to your faith.  This can be quite a test, for we can become very comfortable, and then complacent—even in a wilderness!  Whether we stay or go, pack up or dig in, our leading is to come from God.  We are to be His people looking toward our Tabernacle, the place where God meets with us.  The gospel of John tell us that Jesus Christ came to “dwell” (literally tabernacle) among us (John 1:14).  If we look to Him, the God-man who bears our sins and provides us access to our Holy Father, we will receive the guidance and direction we need for the wilderness journey we’re all on.  We must ask the Lord for guidance, and then keep our eyes on our Tabernacle, Jesus Christ.