The Pillar of Cloud

Introduction

Exodus 13:21 "And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night:"

Over here we see our Lord God led the children of Israel by shadowing them under his pillar of cloud and fire. As a part of today's meditation let us discuss about the blessings that the pillar of cloud is going bring to the children of God.

I Miracle in the wilderness

Exodus 16:10 "And it came to pass, as Aaron spake unto the whole congregation of the children of Israel, that they looked toward the wilderness, and, behold, the glory of the LORD appeared in the cloud."

In chapter 16, we see there was a need for the people of Israel. The people wanted something to eat to quench their hunger. Our Lord saw the needs of his people and he provides them with what was needed. The divine glory of the Lord revealed in the wilderness to his children. In Exodus 16:13-14 'And it came to pass, that at even the quails came up, and covered the camp: and in the morning the dew lay round about the host. And when the dew that lay was gone up, behold, upon the face of the wilderness there lay a small round thing, as small as the hoar frost on the ground.' The demand of the people of Israel was huge as they were large in number. Nevertheless, our Lord almighty supplies their needs. We need to fully understand that where the pillar of cloud is there will be a miracle. In Exodus 16:12 ‘I have heard the murmurings of the children of Israel: speak unto them, saying, At even ye shall eat flesh, and in the morning ye shall be filled with bread; and ye shall know that I am the LORD your God.’ We see in this verse that the people of Israel were grumbling as they were starving. This act of theirs is also a main reason why the miracle was performed in the wilderness. Even in our lives, when we grumble out of unbelief, our Lord will surely work out a miracle to prove that he is with us.

Even in Mark 16:14 'Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen.' We read here that the people did not seem to believe the fact that Jesus rose from the dead. The people were supposed to be rejoicing by witnessing his resurrection but they were trembling. Same way in Luke 24:13-32 we read that the church of the Lord that was supposed to be testifying was actually filled with sorrow. We the children of God should be matured enough not to grumble even if we are in need or any lack. It is significant that we are well groomed in spirituality so that we will never be giving room for murmurings and unbeliefs. As the almighty Lord is with us in this wilderness life, we can expect miracles and wonders at the time of need.

II Visitation of God

Exodus 33:9,11 "And it came to pass, as Moses entered into the tabernacle, the cloudy pillar descended, and stood at the door of the tabernacle, and the LORD talked with Moses. And the LORD spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend. And he turned again into the camp: but his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, departed not out of the tabernacle."

We see the experience of hearing the Lord speak to us is something divine. In the above passage we see that the Lord spoke to Moses face to face like a friend. This act signifies a divine visitation of God in the wilderness. The Lord God spoke to Moses concerning all this plans and purposes. The pillar of cloud plays an important role here. Our Lord God is able to speak to us normally. It will not be something which is hard to comprehend. Our Lord will speak to us clearly concerning the plans. In Deuteronomy 34:10-12 'And there arose not a prophet since in Israel like unto Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face, In all the signs and the wonders, which the LORD sent him to do in the land of Egypt to Pharaoh, and to all his servants, and to all his land, And in all that mighty hand, and in all the great terror which Moses shewed in the sight of all Israel.' The result of the visitation of God is the signs and wonders. The visitation brings us miracles and wonders in our lives. Let the pillar of cloud descend to our place and bless us abundantly.

III Divine control

Exodus 40:36-37 "And when the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the children of Israel went onward in all their journeys: But if the cloud were not taken up, then they journeyed not till the day that it was taken up."

We see the pillar of cloud led the people like a guide and it took the entire control over their journey. Whenever we purpose to reach a spot, we should submit ourselves to the divine control of God. All our itinerary details are monitored by our Lord God. As the people reached their promised land, so will the pillar of cloud guide us to reach our divine destination. Let the hands of the Lord guide and guard us forever. Therefore, let us pray to God that the pillar of cloud should shadow us and enable us to reach our promised land. Amen. God bless you!