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Following the Cloud of His Presence

Exodus 40:38 – “For the cloud of the Lord was above the tabernacle by day, and fire was over it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel, throughout all their journeys.

I was privileged recently to travel to Denver, Colorado.  It is called the “Mile High City.” This is because at one point it measures 5,280 feet above sea level.  Our hotel had a beautiful view of the Rocky Mountains. The higher elevations were tipped with snow and the clouds were positioned just at the summit of the mountain.

As I looked out over the mountains the beautiful afternoon clouds reminded me of the cloud of Gods presence that led the children of Israel in the wilderness. Exodus 13:21 reads, “And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so as to go by day and night.” It was a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. We know this cloud to be the glory of God.

When the cloud would move from the Tabernacle that was positioned in the center of the camp this meant that the children of Israel would pack up their tents, and get ready to follow the cloud to their next generation.  Today we do not follow a cloud, but we are to follow the leadership of the Spirit of God.

One way the Holy Spirit leads is by speaking in a still small voice. This is an inner voice that we hear in our spirit. We learn in Romans 8:14, “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.”  This scripture teaches that there is a maturity involved in being led by the Spirit of God.


The Apostle Paul reminds us that God no longer dwells in a tent or building made with stone, but in the hearts of humanity. 1 Corinthians 3:16 reads, “Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you.”  We must continue to follow the cloud by developing the discipline of meditating on Gods word and listening to His voice.  Our response should be the same as Samuel in 1 Samuel 3:10, “Now the Lord came and stood and called as at other times, ‘Samuel! Samuel!’ And Samuel answered, ‘Speak, for Your servant hears.’”

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