10 Nov, 2021

Who’s Guiding You?

Numbers 9-10

READ –  “’Please don’t leave us,’ Moses pleaded. ‘You know the places in the wilderness where we should camp.  Come, be our guide.’”  — Numbers 10:31 NLT

EXAMINE – A year after Israel’s departure from Egypt, God gave Moses instructions for the children of Israel to celebrate the second Passover (Numbers 9:1-3). If for some reason, they couldn’t celebrate the Passover at the prescribed time, they had to “make it up” a month later (Numbers 9:11-12).  To neglect the Passover had severe consequences (Numbers 9:13). The cloud, representing the Presence of God, served as their guide leading them through the wilderness (Numbers 9:15-23).  The priests sounded trumpets to signal war, to call the people to worship, and even to tell the people that it was time to leave (Numbers 10). Moses asked his brother-in-law, Hobab, to accompany them on the journey as a guide (Numbers 10:29-32).

APPLY –  No substitute for the Real Deal! The children of Israel had the Cloud (the Presence of God) to lead them. “They camped or traveled at the LORD’s command, and they did whatever the LORD told them through Moses” (Numbers 9:23). But for some strange reason, Moses saw the need to ask his brother-in-law to be their guide.  Who do you listen to for direction and guidance? Do you rely on the Holy Spirit to lead and guide you (John 16:13)? Do you trust the Scriptures to give you wisdom and insight (Psalm 119:105)? Or do you sometimes rely on family and friends to serve as a back-up guide to God? Just a reminder . . . the Bible is better than any brother-in-law!

PRAY – Father God, as we walk this uncharted journey, may Your Presence be with us to guide us and to guard us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!