Saturday 08 March 2008

Background

Apparently the Tabernacle (representing God's presence) stood inthe centre of each campsite while the Israelites tracked throughthe desert for a generation preparing to enter the promised land.During the daytime a pillar of cloud marked the spot and during thenight there was the glow of fire over the sacred tent. This was themysterious sign of God's presence accompanying them on theirwanderings. (Moses would have observed 'fire worship' when he was arefugee among the Kenites - Exodus2:16-22)

If the cloud lifted it was the sign to strike camp and travel on,but sometimes the cloud remained fixed in place for a few days, amonth or even longer (v.22). The discipline of moving forward onlyin God's good time would have had a culturally shaping effect.People moved when the time was right and not before.

This lesson took a generation to learn and we have to relearn itagain and again. We find it easier to cover up our lack ofcertainty about what we think we should do next by engaging infrenetic activity which may serve as a smokescreen to others butdoes not impress God. It can be deceptively easier to shout loudlywith apparent conviction (and almost convince ourselves!) than toremain silent and wait for illumination and right timing. TheChristian tries to discern God acting in society in order to joinin rather than trying to set a trend and then trying to co-optGod!

Just as beacons built on strategic high points would be lit acrossthis land to enable yet more fires to be lit carrying news ofinvasion or some other historic happening - a moving column ofsmoke and flame moving across the country - so mission will spreadfrom community to community when we humbly regain a sense of God'spresence, power and guidance. It is better to wait for theGod-given moment than to try to be God!

To Ponder

What can you do to ensure you think before youspeak or pray before you act?

In the next few days try to allow God to give thelead rather than set the pace yourself.