Law and Order

Numbers 9:15-23 NRSV

“On the day the tabernacle was set up, the cloud covered the tabernacle, the tent of the covenant; and from evening until morning it was over the tabernacle, having the appearance of fire. 16 It was always so: the cloud covered it by day and the appearance of fire by night. 17 Whenever the cloud lifted from over the tent, then the Israelites would set out; and in the place where the cloud settled down, there the Israelites would camp. 18 At the command of the Lord the Israelites would set out, and at the command of the Lord they would camp. As long as the cloud rested over the tabernacle, they would remain in camp. 19 Even when the cloud continued over the tabernacle many days, the Israelites would keep the charge of the Lord, and would not set out. 20 Sometimes the cloud would remain a few days over the tabernacle, and according to the command of the Lord they would remain in camp; then according to the command of the Lord they would set out. 21 Sometimes the cloud would remain from evening until morning; and when the cloud lifted in the morning, they would set out, or if it continued for a day and a night, when the cloud lifted they would set out. 22 Whether it was two days, or a month, or a longer time, that the cloud continued over the tabernacle, resting upon it, the Israelites would remain in camp and would not set out; but when it lifted they would set out. 23 At the command of the Lord they would camp, and at the command of the Lord they would set out. They kept the charge of the Lord, at the command of the Lord by Moses.”

When we follow God’s law we have his order. In order to follow the Israelites had to be attentive to God’s timing, be ready, and leave all baggage behind. They set out when the cloud/fire set out. They settled when cloud/fire settled. It was not in any discernible pattern, but as God said. If we are attentive to his timing, and are ready to move- we move. And yes, we have to leave all baggage- those things that hinder us, those negative attitudes, energy, that cause us to miss being attentive- see how that works? 

The journey is not all the time easy, but when we are clear who we are following we can trust that he has us. Last week some of us were together for my son Marq’s graduation from residency. He didn’t know who would come, he didn’t know who couldn’t get there, but he knew what was to happen for him. He knew that he had to continue on watching what God is doing. He didn’t know the prayers and tears and hopes that watered his way - but he continued on. Listen, sometimes it feels that we are all alone- but God! Sometimes it feels that no one understands-but God. Sometimes we can’t even figure it out- but God has already done so.  It’s his order that makes the difference. enough for now.