Movement

Whether the cloud stayed over the tabernacle for two days or a month or a year, the Israelites would remain in camp and not set out; but when it lifted, they would set out. At the LORD’s command they encamped, and at the LORD’s command they set out. They obeyed the LORD’s order, in accordance with his command through Moses.  Numbers 9:22-23

In my journey through the Bible I am reading through the book of Numbers.  When reflecting on the major themes in the book, one thing sticks out: movement.  The Lord led the Israelites in a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night.  When God moved, they moved.  When God stayed, they stayed.  There was a closeness stemming from obedience.  A simple but powerful process of communication was in place: God speaks/acts, Moses conveys, people respond.  It's very clear: obedience involves movement.  When God asks us to move, there is not a wait-and-see period.  He's the one in control of the universe.  He does whatever He wants (Ps. 115).  Faith is most fulfilling when we're moving to where He is, and moving with Him.  Missed opportunities come when He moves and we stay in the camp.  Have you ever missed His movement?  Sometimes God moves and we miss it.  Or we choose to stay put; to stay comfortable.  Oh how we miss the blessings of movement with Him!  I pray that we would be aware of His movement, and respond in obedience.

When He calls us to set out from contentment to commitment, I pray that we move.

When He calls us to set out from selfishness to sacrifice, I pray that we move.

When He calls us to set out from moralism towards the gospel, I pray that we move.

When He calls us to set out from complacency to courage, I pray that we move.