Cloud and Fire

​Some months ago, we sang a song in our church that spoke about following God's cloud — like the Israelites did — and I thought it was interesting since I was in the middle of reading Exodus at the time.  I imagined that I could write something similar as well.

I had already come across those verses (discussing the pillar of fire and cloud) earlier in Exodus and thought that the next time I came across a similar passage that I would write about it.  Finishing up Exodus without finding those verses, I thought of backtracking to where I had read about it earlier in the book, but decided against it.

After Exodus, chronologically speaking, comes Numbers 7-10 before picking back up with Leviticus.  And, in that little sliver of Numbers, I found what I was looking for:

​It remained that way continually; the cloud would cover the tabernacle by day, and at night it would appear like fire.  Whenever the cloud was lifted from above the Tent, the Israelites would set out, and wherever the cloud settled, there the Israelites would camp.
Numbers 9:16-17

​The initial idea in my head didn't really translate to the page as I had intended, but this is OK as well.

---

Cloud and Fire

​Lord, lead us by your Holy Spirit
whether moving or perfectly still
so consume us with fire
and a burning desire
to be centered in your perfect will

Lord, choose to live right here among us
how we want you to live in our heart
like your Father made home
​while the Israelites roamed
in the Holy of Holies and Ark

like your cloud through the day let us show them the way
like your fire at night let us show them the light

Lord, keep us all in your protection
in your arms, we will not be afraid
and supply us our need
as we follow your lead
and we step in the footprints you've made

---

It remained that way continually; the cloud would cover the tabernacle by day, and at night it would appear like fire.  Whenever the cloud was lifted from above the Tent, the Israelites would set out, and wherever the cloud settled, there the Israelites would camp.
Numbers 9:16-17