Wednesday, 23 December 2009 01:00  |  Written by Steve Hall and posted in Divine Presence

So the cloud of the Lord was over the tabernacle by day, and fire was in the cloud by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel during all their travels. Exodus 40:38

The significance of this verse can be easily missed if you are unaware of where the Tabernacle was situated within the Israelite camp. Numbers 2 informs us that the Tabernacle was positioned in the very centre of the camp!*

God's desire was to be at the very centre of Israel's corporate and individual lives. So much so he was willing to "tent it" with His people in order to do this.

FOOTNOTE:
* The Tabernacle was a very ornate tent where the Israelite priests ministered.

Tuesday, 22 December 2009 01:00  |  Written by Steve Hall and posted in Divine Presence

In all the travels of the Israelites, whenever the cloud lifted from above the tabernacle, they would set out; but if the cloud did not lift, they did not set out — until the day it lifted. Exodus 40:36-37

When God said go, the Israelites got up and went; when God said stay, the Israelites remained where they were. God wasn't very concerned about the speed by which Israel reached the Promised Land; he was more concerned about the type of people they were when they arrived. Do you live by this rhythm allowing God to work on your heart or do you get frustrated by the lack of speed?

Monday, 21 December 2009 01:00  |  Written by Steve Hall and posted in Divine Presence

Then Moses said to the Lord, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. How will anyone know that you are pleased with [us] unless you go with us? What else will distinguish [us] from all the other people on the face of the earth?” Exodus 33:15-16

What's the point of going anywhere without God, even to a place as good as the Promised Land? This is Moses' view. He is so in love with God that he never wants to leave God's side.

Moses also realises that without God's presence, Israel are just like everyone else. There's a big difference between being people of presence and people of religion. How important is God's presence to you?

Friday, 18 December 2009 01:00  |  Written by Steve Hall and posted in Divine Presence

Then the Lord said to Moses, “Leave this place... I will send an angel before you... Go up to the land flowing with milk and honey. But I will not go with you, because you are a stiff-necked people and I might destroy you on the way.” Exodus 33:1-3

Imagine catching your husband or wife cheating on your honeymoon. How would that betrayal make you feel? Would you be keen to journey home with them after that?

That's how God is feeling here. He is a jealous lover and is angered and upset that the Israelites have made a golden calf idol to worship.* No wonder he doesn't want to journey on with the Israelites!

FOOTNOTE:
* See Exodus 32