And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night. Exodus 13:21
Paper maps have all but disappeared from our world. These days, most people simply tell their cell phones where they want to go, and the phone’s GPS connection provides step by step, or street by street instructions on how to get there, telling them along the way which turn to make and how far it is to the next turn.. Sometimes, though, a mistake is made and the person ends in an awkward or impossible situation. Today’s text tells of a system far better than anything GPS based. God’s cloud and fire pillar system was incapable of any mistake. Not only that, but this system knew the exact route and the destination even when the Israelites didn’t. How would you like such a system to guide you through your day, and through your life? You have it!
Some Bible students say the cloud and fire were the same pillar that changed its appearance from day to night. No matter, it was there all the time, showing up as they exited Egypt, and it never went away until the children of Israel crossed the Jordan into Canaan. God’s guidance system is the same. His Holy Spirit came to dwell within each of us the moment we were saved, and He remains with us through life and through the portals of Glory. And unlike the fake and impersonal voice of the GPS, He is a real Person, One of the Persons of the Godhead, no less, not just a piece of electronic gadgetry. Because He dwells within, our link with the Holy Spirit can never be lost.
So how do we access God’s guidance system? Prayer and Bible reading. It’s as simple as that, and as profound as that. We communicate with God through our prayers, and He communicates with us through His Word. And the more we pray and read, the better the communication becomes. And the better our life will reflect the reality that we are being led and guided by our God. -Jim MacIntosh
Here is the link to the video of this message: https://youtu.be/Avzr00p4HWI