The Glory of God
Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting and the glory of the Lord filled the [tabernacle].
And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to [lead] them along the way.
The cloud of God's presence is [guiding] His people.
He's [leading] them.
- How have you seen God guiding you in the past? Where do you sense He might be leading you today?
- What would it look like to trust God's guidance even when you can't see the full path ahead?
The same cloud that was up on Mount Sinai, the powerful storm cloud, what does it happen? It comes and it descends and it lands right in the [middle] of the camp of the Israelites.
The same God who had parted the Red Sea has chosen to [draw] near.
Not just a God up there and out there, but a God who chooses to be [close] to his people.
How much more amazing is it that the God of creation has chosen to come and [dwell] with us.
- In what areas of your life do you need to experience God's nearness right now?
- What keeps you from believing that God wants to be close to you?
The Israelites in no way deserved for God to [draw] near.
The Lord the Lord, a God merciful and gracious. Slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving, iniquity and transgression and [sin].
I couldn't be any more grateful for the [mercy] of God.
And the Word became flesh and [dwelt] among us.
- How does knowing God's merciful character change the way you approach Him with your failures?
- Who in your life needs to hear about God's mercy and grace today?
Throughout all their journeys, whenever the cloud was taken up over the tabernacle, the people of Israel would set out. But if the cloud was not taken up, then they did not set out to the day that it was [taken] up.
In life, don't move until the cloud [moves].
One of the greatest things that you can do in your life is get up in the morning with Bible-opent and in prayer ask God, where are you [moving] today?
When the cloud moves, we don't like where the cloud is going. We don't like what God's calling us to do, so what do we do? We [camp] out.
- Is there a place where you're resisting God's leading because you don't like where He's calling you?
- What step of obedience is God asking you to take today?
Jesus didn't just tabernacle among us, as God in the flesh, but what did he do? He went to the cross, and he died on the cross in your [place].
He took upon himself the sin and the [punishment] for sin that you deserve.
The same glory that fell in the tabernacle, that Holy Spirit is in [you].
- How does it change your perspective to know that God's Spirit lives inside you?
- What would it look like for you to be more responsive to the Holy Spirit's voice this week?