At a dog show near my home, I watched a Cardigan Welsh corgi named
Trevor perform. At his master’s command, he ran several yards away and
immediately returned, he jumped fences, and he identified objects using his
sense of smell. After finishing each exercise, he sat down at his master’s feet
and waited for more instructions.
Trevor’s careful attention to his master’s instruction reminded me of
the devotion God desired from His people as they followed Him through the
wilderness. God led in a unique way. His presence appeared as a cloud. If the
cloud ascended, He wanted His people to move to another area. If the cloud
descended, they were to stay put. “At the command of the Lord they remained
encamped, and at the command of the Lord they journeyed” (Num. 9:23). The
Israelites followed this practice day or night, regardless of how long they had
to remain in one place.
God wasn’t simply testing the Israelites; He was leading them to the
Promised Land (10:29). He wanted to take them to a better place. So it is with
us when God asks us to follow Him. He wants to lead us to a place of closer
fellowship with Himself. His Word assures us that He is loving and faithful in
leading those who humbly follow Him.
God wants to lead us to a place of closer fellowship with Himself. (RBC)
