And when the cloud was taken up from the tabernacle, then after that the children of Israel journeyed: and in the place where the cloud abode, there the children of Israel pitched their tents. Numbers 9:17 KJV
The U.S. Census Bureau monitors and releases data regarding the movement of people from one location of residence to another.
In 2021, they reported that 27.1 million Americans reported living at a different residence than a year earlier.
Millions of people who packed up their belongings, moved to another area and unpacked them under a new roof.
That is what the Israelites in Numbers was doing.
For forty years they were constantly moving until they reached their new homeland.
They didn’t have the moving companies and vehicles that we have today,
They were moving their belongs on the back of oxen and the tabernacle was carried by the Levites in charge of caring for it.
Throughout their journey in the wilderness, the cloud of God’s presence was leading them.
He was always near and guiding them.
Giving them the help, they needed in their move.
A time when their faith played a big part in the move.
For those who have experienced moving, we know how frustrating it can sometimes be.
And although we are not living in the time where God is in the cloud resting on the tabernacle, we are in the time when Jesus came and died for us.
He is the cloud, and the tabernacle is our hearts.
Leading us to the place where we find peace and rest.
We are to follow His lead and stay put until He tells us that it is time for us to move.
When the cloud begins to move again, He is taking us further on our journey.
We may not be physically moving, but as His children, we are led by the Spirit (Romans 8:14).
Guiding us through whatever journey we find ourselves on.
Sent by the Father who loves us and wants us to make it home.
When we acknowledge who He is, He will always be there to direct our paths (Proverbs 3:6).
There is no better guide because with Him, we will never get lost.
Let us take the Bible to heart and receive the Word.
The guidance we find in it never changes.
It is there when we feel we have lost or may be losing our way.
It is our means of salvation.
The guiding light at the end of the tunnel.
In the end, when the journey is over, we will be praising and worshipping for the victorious journey.
Fellowshipping with the Father and Jesus in Heaven.
Enjoying the wonderful view with all the other saints that made it through the journey.
One can only imagine what the final census will be.
Will you be one of the ones that make Heaven their final location?
A WORD OF PRAYER
Father, You are the God of the cloud and tabernacle. The One that is resting in our hearts. You have done so much to lead, guide, and rescue us. We all will have to move out of our ways, knowing that it may take quite a few times to finally reach the right spot. But in the end, we will look out from our Heavenly window and remember how You led us all the way.
In Jesus Name We Pray, Amen