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.
The cloud looked like a “pillar of fire” which must have been spectacular to see and follow. Think about being guided by God each and every day. He knows how long to rest and when to move quickly, He knows the path along the way and all you have to do is follow. Much like today, the only difference is they had a fiery pillar of clouds to follow. Granted our path is not so clear and we tend to muddy the instructions up often, the Israelites even with such clear guidance complained and questioned from time to time.
After 40 years I wonder if the people were still in amazement with God’s method of guiding them? Or were they still amazed each day? Take our daily pillar of fire that happens before us twice a day, the sunrise and sunset. How many times have you stopped and just took in the unique beauty of that event? We get so caught up in our day to day activities that we forget to see the wonderful beauty around us.
Do you think the Israelites were amazed after 40 years or were they just conditioned to follow the pillar? I know it’s difficult to imagine taking God for granted, especially when he gave the people such a magnificent display to lead them. But think about your walk with God and how he has guided you throughout your life. I know when I review some of the crazy circumstances that have happened; it’s amazing how many are taken for granted. That’s what happens when we live our lives inwardly focused and not as an outward expression of God’s love.
One quick note, at the same time we should not take God’s influence in our lives for granted, we should also not read God in everything that happens. Balance is a key to your walk with God; we must live in this world but not be of this world. Know that you will have good times along with bad. God is not a maniacal being trying to make your life miserable, sometimes sh… stuff happens. Key is never taking for granted God’s love and grandeur.