ESOCS Devotional 17 July 2021
TEXT: NUMBERS 9:15-23
MEMORY VERSE: “So it was alway: the cloud covered it by day, and the appearance of fire by night” (Numbers 9:16 KJV).
It is a great blessing for a believer to have the presence of God with him/her every time. In fact, God is with His people always (Matthew 28:20). In the Old Testament, God was with His people, and in the New Testament, Jesus was with His disciples; when He departed to heaven, He sent the Comforter (Acts 2:2-3).
God shows His presence in many ways. His presence was with the Israelites in the form of a ‘pillar of cloud’ by day and a ‘pillar of fire’ by night. The cloud describes the majestic, awe-inspiring presence of God. He spoke from it when He gave the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:9). Jesus was covered with a cloud during His transfiguration (Luke 9:34), and He disappeared into a cloud during His ascension (Acts 1:9). Again, God appeared to Moses in a flame of fire (Exodus 3:2). Abraham saw the smoking furnace and a burning lamp (Genesis 15:17). The ‘pillar of light’ represents God’s miraculous energy, sacred light, illumination, and His burning heart of purity, love, and charity to believers.
A pillar of cloud by day and a pillar fire by night guided and protected the Israelites as they travelled across the wilderness. The cloud and the fire were not merely natural phenomena; they were the vehicle of God’s presence and the visible evidence of His moving and directing the Israelites. Such appearances were encouragement to the Israelites. It also proves the reliability of God’s verbal message.
God’s presence is still with us today in many ways. Jesus is the Light. This Light is a spiritual enlightenment and exposure to the truth for repentance (Isaiah 9:1, 2; Matthew 4:12-17). Israelites travelled and camped as God guided. When we follow God’s guidance, we get to our destiny. His presence assures us of protection, direction, confidence, and provision in times of war or peace. Enjoy His Unique Presence.
- Sin blocks God’s presence. What sins prevent His presence in your life?
- Ask God to help you stop any sin affecting His presence in your life.
Read Other ESOCS Devotional here
FURTHER READING: Matthew 20:25-28; 25:40; Mark 9:35; Luke 22:25-27; Acts 6:1-7
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ESOCS Devotional 17 July 2021
