Daily Thought

The time had now come to move on. There was now to be, at last, a forward movement of the people of God. As they moved off, the pillar of cloud was upon them - an evident token of God’s presence with them. When the ark set forward, Moses prayed, ‘Rise up, Lord, and let thine enemies be scattered’, and when it rested, he said, ‘Return, O Lord, unto the many thousands of Israel’.

At this point, Moses’ father-in-law refused an invitation to accompany them and decided to return to his own people. He could have been of great help but apparently had no wish to be involved in this forward movement, even as many today share such reluctance. As it was not possible to stay in the same place, he went back! What a privilege it is to be among the Lord’s people when, under divine guidance, they move forward. Moses’ first request on this occasion was that the presence of God would be seen in reassuring power. When we enter unknown territory without our loved ones, or friends upon whom we relied in the past, let us pray that we might have the strength to go forward looking only to Him.

Some of the Lord’s people are debilitated by grief, the loss of loved ones, or the unfaithfulness of some close to them. They need not stay in that situation. They must pray for help, and move forward in the knowledge that the Lord is still with them. During this forward movement, occasions for rest were very necessary. At these times, Moses prayed, ‘Return, O Lord’. This was a prayer for His presence to be felt individually and corporately. Even as the company moved forward, individual time with the Lord was very important. Such experiences are precious and as we enjoy seasons of rest, we feel closer to Him. Not just involved in the activity and excitement of a forward movement, but also resting when He rests, and having time for worship as well as service.

Let us pray, as did Moses, for the things that will help us through - a sense of His presence and an appreciation of His return. So armed, the people of God as individuals, as churches, and in general, can have the confidence to move forward. He delights to demonstrate His power to us, and we delight in the promise of His presence here and now, as well as in His promise, ‘I will come again’, John 14. 3. We happily respond, ‘Even so, come, Lord Jesus’, Rev. 22. 20.