Christ in all the scriptures The Divine Presence

 Christ in all the scriptures

The Divine presence for protection and guidance  Numbers 9v15-23

The phrase "Cloud by day and fire by night" is an oft repeated concept throughout scripture, and is the essence of the last half of this chapter.  Both sections compliment each other.  The people who were pardoned in the Passover lamb are now protected and guided in the Divine cloud.  I am reminded of the delightful words of the hymn, describing the wilderness journeys of Israel, "The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose; He will not, He cannot desert to its foes.  That soul, though all hell should endeavour to shake; He will never, no never, no never forsake."-the hymn "firm foundation", attributed to R. Kirk 1787  Those who are saved are protected by the Divine presence throughout life.  The One who died to save them (the Passover), lives to keep them (the Presence), a truth abounding in holy writ!

The cloud symbolises the presence of God amongst His people.  He could not be seen by the naked eye, so He covered Himself in the cloud.  "On the day that the tabernacle was reared up the cloud covered the tabernacle, namely the tent of the testimony, and at even there was upon the tabernacle as it were the appearance of fire, until the morning"-Numbers 9v15.

The cloud covered the mount Sinai when God descended-Exodus 24v15-6.                       The cloud covered the newly reared tabernacle-Exodus 40v35; Numbers 9v15.                      The cloud rested above the mercy seat in the sanctuary-Leviticus 16v2.                             The cloud descended on the newly inaugurated temple-1st Kings 8v10-11                              The cloud departed from the idolatrous temple-Ezekiel 3v23; 8v4; 10v4; 10v18-20; 11v23.  (This was a slow, but deliberate removal of His presence due to idolatry in the sanctuary).      The cloud descended on the mount of transfiguration-Matthew 17v5; Luke 9v34-35.              The cloud transported Christ at the ascension-Acts 1v9.                                                            The clouds will transport the saints at the second coming-1st Thessalonians 4v17.                  The clouds will be present at His second advent to set up His kingdom-Revelation 1v7.

The bible describes the clouds as "His chariot"-Psalm 104v3.  The prophet Nahum says "...the clouds are the dust of His feet".   Mostly the teaching is that the cloud is for guidance, and it is so, as we shall see, but it is more than that; it is for protection.  Isaiah puts it thus in chapter 4v5-6, "And the Lord will create upon every dwelling place of mount Zion, and upon her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night; for upon all the glory shall be a defence".  Not only was the cloud a visible sign of God's presence, it was a protection from the burning heat of the wilderness sun by day, and a shining warmth through the cold nights.  More than that, all enemies would be repelled at the awesome sight, so they were safe from invasion.

While the cloud rested, the camp rested, but when it moved, they must move, lock, stock, and barrel.  This could happen (and probably did) after a day, a month or a year.  Whenever the cloud rose and moved they must follow.  They were not to become complacent, but be ready to move at the will of God.  They were pilgrims on a journey.  This is a reminder that this world is not our resting place, we are on a journey, and we must follow where He leads. According to Numbers 33, there were thirty one such movements after they left Sinai, during the 38 years or so of their journeyings.  No longer do we have the visible cloud directing us, but we have the Spirit within, speaking within us, leading, guiding, protecting, preparing us for glory.  We are not here to nestle down in the comforts of this world but are travelling to a greater land which He has prepared.  The Spirit of Christ leads us, He is with us all the way and all the days.  He even sends His angels from the throne to help us when needed, according to Hebrews 1v14.  The angels who surround the throne are all "ministering spirits sent forth to serve them who shall be heirs of salvation".  A big subject, but real for every child of God.   

The New Testament enjoins us to "Walk in the Spirit...be led of the Spirit...live in the Spirit...and produce the fruit of the Spirit", all in Galatians 5.  This is not some mysterious possession of a few eccentrics. this is real Christian living for all of us, and makes the journey so much easier.