This verse, describing the presence of the Lord God in the midst of Israel always amazes me: The cloud of the Lord was on the tabernacle by day, and fire was in it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel throughout all their journeys.

The Lord instructed Moses to build an elaborate tabernacle, a traveling worship center, to focus the people’s devotion. The craftsmen followed the detailed instructions to the letter. When they finished the work and set everything in place, a cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.

What an inspiring sight. We’re told the glory of God was so intense not even Moses could approach the structure. Then we discover that the Lord’s visible presence remained over the tabernacle throughout their travels.

Which makes me wonder, if in the center of your camp sits a seething structure supernaturally filled with fire and smoke, how do you ever doubt God? It’s like living next to the cauldron of a volcano, watching lava pop while you eat your Cheerios.

But the children of Israel rebelled again and again. The literal presence of God failed to instill complete obedience. Jeremiah tells us the heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?

I think of Adam hiding from God in the garden after his bite from the apple. I turn away, I defer, and I hide, even though the Holy Spirit lives within me. I may not see clouds and flames, but God’s presence remains near. Still, it would be nice sometimes to have a pillar of fire to follow around. But our hearts are dense. We remain complex, hard-headed, free-willed individuals. God comes near, and we shy away.

While miracles are fabulous, they fail to produce obedience. Thankfully the grace of God cuts through the tough fibers of my soul. Then in what is truly a miracle, God’s unwavering patience hangs with me as I play hide and seek with him.

Exodus 40:34-38; Jeremiah 17:9

Photo by Toby Elliott