The Movable Cloud

In Numbers 9 we read that the after the dedication of the Tabernacle, that a cloud from God would hover over the tent. As long as the cloud was there, the children of Israel would remain. Once the cloud lifted, they would set off. So what does that mean to us?


Here's my thought: how flexible are you for God? I noticed that in some cases the cloud remained over the Tent many days, but sometimes it was only for from evening till morning. That would mean that the Israelites needed to be ready to go at all times. It meant they couldn't put down deep roots where they were; plant gardens or build houses or buy property.

For us, we need to be ready to go when God calls us. The Bible tells us that we are simply "sojourning" here on earth (1 Peter 2:11). In fact, Peter tell us to:

"1 Peter 2:11-12 Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. 12 Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation."

We need to have shallow roots in the world system. Don't get so caught up in the values that are at odds with God's character that you have to rip up vast stretches of your life and value system when God says to move on. Yes, we can own property and things, but let God have real ownership of them, including your hopes and desires and goals.

Be ready to move on when the cloud moves on, both literally, and also spiritually, being aware of when the Holy Spirit wants to move you to another point in your walk with Him.

Don't put your tent stakes too deeply into the soil of the world.

Pastor Tom