The Presence of God
Exodus 13:20–22
And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud. Exodus 13:21

The cloud in the desert was unlike any other cloud that the world had ever seen up to that time or has seen since. It was called a cloud only because the Hebrew language of the time had no other word to describe it. Its appearance was that of a cloud in the daytime, but during the night it gave forth light and warmth so that it seemed to be a pillar of fire. Generally the pillar of cloud or fire was located in the center of the camp of the Israelites. But during the first days of Israel’s march from Egypt, it moved behind the people so that it provided protection against the pursuing Egyptians on Israel’s rear. And later during their march it went before them to lead the way.

The cloud was not only a reminder of God’s constant protection and guidance, however. It was also a symbol of God’s presence. For God was with his people, and the cloud portrayed it. God spoke from the cloud. He spoke from the cloud on Sinai when he gave the law to Moses. He spoke from the cloud when it was in the camp of the Israelites standing over the Ark of the Covenant in the Holy of Holies of the Jewish wilderness tabernacle. And it was from the cloud that God spoke in judgment against the various movements of rebellion during the years of wilderness wandering. At no time in their wandering were the people of Israel able to forget—whether they wanted to or not—that the presence of God went with them and overshadowed all that they did.

I wonder if you live your life with that understanding. Do you know that your life is under the constant and righteous scrutiny of God? You should, for it is equally as true for you as it was for them. And it should change your conduct. One of the great liturgical collects of the ancient church acknowledges this truth quite clearly when it says: “Almighty God, unto whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid, cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of thy Holy Spirit that we may perfectly love thee, and worthily magnify thy name.” If we really acknowledged to ourselves the truth of that statement—that our hearts and our actions are open before him—how changed some of our conduct would be.

Taken from Come to the Waters by James Boice ISBN 9798887790954 used with permission from P&R Publishing, Phillipsburg NJ 08865

Scripture quotations are from the ESV (the Holy Bible English Standard Version) copyright 2001 by Crossway a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. All rights reserved.