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Numbers 9-10 – Praying through the Bible #43 – A Prayer that is a GPS
The original GPS was actually a JPS, a Jewish Positioning System. Contrary to popular opinion, Israel did not wander around for 40 years because Moses refused to stop and ask for directions. Each move was directed by God using His GPS, a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. “The cloud covered the tabernacle, the tent of the testimony, and it appeared like fire above the tabernacle from evening until morning (9.15). “At the LORD’s command the Israelites set out, and at the LORD’s command they camped” (9.18). “Whether it was two days, a month, or longer, the Israelites camped and did not set out as long as the cloud stayed over the tabernacle” (9.22).
In the wilderness, God is training Israel to listen. The cloud and fire were “commands.” Plus, never knowing when they would move should keep them vigilant, emphasizing they live in the “not yet;” here is not their promised home. Something better is coming. Paraphrasing, “This wilderness is not their home; they’re just a passing through.”
Leaving Mt. Sinai, the Ark of the Covenant is sent out ahead of them on a three day journey to seek a resting point for them (10.33). Whenever I see “three days” I wonder if it is foreshadowing another three days. As the ark went three days to find a place, Jesus goes away for three days “to prepare a place” (Jn 14.3).
Moses continually utters two prayers involving the ark finding a resting place. Whenever the ark is sent out, Moses would say, “Arise, LORD! Let Your enemies be scattered, and those who hate You flee from Your presence” (10.35). The second prayer, when the ark comes to rest, Moses would say, “Return, LORD, to the countless thousands of Israel” (10.36). The ark, like the tabernacle, represents the presence of God on earth…just like Jesus. Many prayers are uttered today for the return of Jesus to His countless of spiritual Israel. “Maranatha!” (i.e., Our Lord, Come – 1 Cor 16.22).
Israel does not move without God’s authority. Permission cannot come from nothing, from silence, but from God’s authorizing in some form. For Israel, God commanded moving with the pillar of fire and cloud. The Bible is our pillar and cloud, our GPS.
All of Israel’s movements were flanked by prayer. Many years ago I heard a phrase from a brother praying for God’s “traveling grace.” The ark for Israel was in many ways, God’s traveling grace. Many people pray before and after trips. I always pray when boarding an airplane! Prayer is our protection, our GPS.
We all have THE GPS: God’s Positioning System in the Bible and prayer. Don’t get lost.
Prayer Challenge: Pray knowing this is not our home. Pray for guidance as a church, individual, family, knowing that God will guide us through His word. Pray for traveling grace as we go from place to place, knowing that ultimately God is our protection.
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