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The Cloud over Us
The Cloud Over Us
Most of the time, when we speak of a cloud over our heads, we intend it in a negative sense. But if you were ever able to take a trek across the Sinai desert, you would understand it very differently. There where the hot sun beats down without mercy all day long, and no trees are in sight for mile after mile, and the road is long and hard with no escape and no relief, a cloud over your head is such a refreshing blessing. When Moses marched Israel through this desert, God led them in a pillar of cloud by day, and a pillar of fire by night lit up their way. But the cloud not only led them – it also covered them, shaded them, protected them.
“And they will tell it to the inhabitants of this land. They have heard that thou Jehovah art in the midst of this people; for thou Jehovah art seen face to face, and thy cloud standeth over them, and thou goest before them, in a pillar of cloud by day, and in a pillar of fire by night.” Num. 14:14
“Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea;” I Cor. 10:1
Sometimes the clouds that darken our path are the result of our own stupidity or stubbornness. But sometimes they are God’s way of protecting us from danger or from strange things that might threaten us, and guiding us toward better understanding and better conformity to His will. When we love Him and are called according to His purpose, all things work together for good to us – even the clouds. The cloud holds before us his sheltering love. The brilliant fire lights our way and inspires with his power.
Dear Lord, in Jesus’ name, lead us with the cloud and the fire. Help us to see your hand in the world around us day by day. Help us understand through your Word what you are trying to tell us. Give us greater faith in your holy love and your merciful judgment. Use us as you will to glorify your name. Amen.
Larry Walker
June 2010
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