Forever Home in the Eternal Family of God

A Daily Devotional by Kenton Cheek

12 February 2024

Reading From Exodus 39-40

“Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. Moses could not enter the tent of meeting because the cloud had settled on it, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.

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. 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 Israelites during all their travels.”

–Exodus 40:34-38

    It was and is the desire of God to live among His people.  Remember in chapter 29 and in so many other places in Scripture God said, “Then I will dwell among the Israelites and be their God. They will know that I am the Lord their God, who brought them out of Egypt so that I might dwell among them. I am the Lord their God.”[1]  His life-giving Presence means everything to us.[2]  In this passage of Exodus we see how the movement of the glory of God provided direction for ancient Israel as the nation traveled from Egypt to Canaan.  When the cloud and fire rested, the people rested.  When the cloud and fire moved, the people moved. 

     Today we don’t necessarily see a cloud and fire showing us where to go in life, although there are many times when a physical sign would be helpful.  Sometimes God still does provide that in specific cases,[3] but His primary source of communication is His Word the Bible.[4]  Signs and wonders confirm His Word.  That is part of why it is so vital for members of God’s eternal family to read, study, meditate on and put into action His Word.[5]  As we absorb the truths of the Bible, we will be able to better discern His direction in both our daily lives and have the ability to see some of the big picture of His plan for His people and the world.[6]  The Holy Spirit will guide us into all truth and speak words of correction and direction, but we must be faithful to listen.[7]

“Lord, there are times when I’m busy, stressed and distracted from spending time with You even though that’s Your heart’s desire.  Forgive me for my ingratitude.  Thank You for Your love and that You want to be with me.  I pray that I will continue to be intentional in making time with You my highest priority.  Guide me forward in my life.  Amen.”

Whoever belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God. 

–John 8:47

But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.

–John 16:13

Your word is a lamp for my feet,
    a light on my path. 

–Psalm 119:105

---

[1] Exodus 29:45-46

[2] Psalm 16:11, 27:4, 73:28, Ephesians 2:18, II Corinthians 3:17

[3] Romans 15:17-19, Acts 2:19, Mark 16:20, Hebrews 2:4

[4] Psalm 138:2, Hebrews 4:12, II Timothy 3:16-17

[5] Acts 8:28-31, Joshua 1:8, Psalm 1:1-6

[6] Ephesians 4:20-24, Romans 12:2, Titus 3:5, Ephesians 3:3-5

[7] John 10:27, 16:13