“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.” Exodus 40:38
When thinking of the 40 years the children of Israel spent wandering in the wilderness between Egypt and the Promised Land, it is easy to forget the visible presence of the Lord among them. Yet there at the very end of Exodus we are told plainly: “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.” That means that anytime the children of Israel needed to be assured that the Lord was with them, all that they need to do was look at the tabernacle, the tent of worship, set up right in the middle of the camp. There they would see the presence of the Lord.
Still, however, they ran into trouble, didn’t they? The children of Israel grumbled and complained and even rebelled! How could they do that? How could they rebel against God even though He was visibly present among them?
Well, they were in a tough situation weren’t they? They were living in a wilderness much like Utah or Idaho. They were living on food that appeared miraculously every morning on the ground. They were living not knowing when they would ever get to the promised land.
Yes, they had been freed from their bondage to the Egyptians. But at least in Egypt, they had houses to live in, a variety of foods to eat, and plenty to do. Life was hard, but it was predictable, routine, stable.
Once out in the wilderness with Moses however, who knew what would happen? Would the food be there the next day? Would they have everything that they needed? What were they to do? What would happen to them?
In short, the lives of the children of Israel had become totally and completely and even visibly dependent upon God!
Sound familiar? Yes, our lives before Covid and everything else going on were a challenge, filled with this and that, but they were predictable, routine, stable.
Now we just don’t know what is going to happen. Every day brings change. Attempts to look toward the future and plan seem a bit futile. School, work, free-time activities, family gatherings, travel, even worship at church: All have changed! And continue to change!
But the Lord, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, remains with us. No, not in a cloud and flame, but through His Word and the sacraments of Baptism and the Lord Supper, visible signs of water, bread and wine to which His promise of forgiveness, life and salvation are attached.
And also the promises of His presence, His guidance, His protection, His provision, and His comfort.
Do you want to be assured that everything is going to be okay? Turn to the Lord, to His Word, to His sacraments and there you will find that assurance every single day.
