Of Clouds and Cops

When God was leading His people in the desert, teaching them about Himself and proving His love and care in that leading, He made sure His presence was visible to them.

The pillar of cloud, hovering above the Most Holy Place in the tabernacle, was the evidence of that presence.  As the sign of His presence, the pillar of cloud would direct the travels of the people, His people.  If the cloud lifted it was time to move on.  If the cloud stopped, it was time to stop and if the cloud remained, it was time to remain.

The pillar of cloud also had the appearance of a pillar of fire in the night time, so was at all times visible.  At all times God was with them.  The people had evidence.  They could see the pillar, day or night.  There could be no doubt that God was there with them. 

I try to imagine what it must have been like; to know that the God Who had done great and amazing miracles in order to free me was within my sight.  His promised presence was right there, in the center of the camp.  I would have had to fight to miss the evidence of His presence.  How would I act with Him right there?  Well how do any of us act when we see a police car following behind us on a road?  We make sure our speed is within the limits, we use our turn signals and we don’t pick up our phones!  We tow the line, not wanting to get a ticket!  The threat of being found out, of receiving a ticket, convinces us to act within the law. 

Having also been in trouble in traffic, it was comforting to me to know that the police were arriving to help.  The police not only “encourage” all to drive within the law, but are available to help when trouble arises. 

So with the people of God, seeing His visible presence, I would think they would be wise in their actions and quick to seek Him out for help.  He was right there.

But no!  In true form, so familiar to me, instead of being quick to ask for His help, they are quick to complain.  Instead of praying to this visible God, they complain among themselves.   After all, the food was a bit monotonous, even if it was miraculous.  How shallow we are, truly.  The people have a visible presence of the God Who is leading them, Who has rescued them, Who has preformed miracles in their sight and they complain because they remember the good, tasty food of their Egyptian Captivity.  How tasty sin is! How utterly foolish we are.  Only we can see miracles as bland stuff.  Only we can call deliverance boring and tedious. 

This is a wake up call to us to see with clear vision the work of God and the love of God right in front of our eyes.  To see it and to rely on that presence; to understand what His presence means all to us.  Pray to see the miracles and not be bored, to see redemption and instead of yawning, to rejoice.