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

You never know where the gospel of Jesus Christ will penetrate next. Millions of people claim allegiance to Jesus in China, a communist state committed to an atheistic world view. When God chooses to work, nothing serves as a barrier.

Along these lines, Paul wrote a fascinating benediction to close his letter to the Philippian church: All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household.

Those of Caesar’s household represent staff, slaves, and officials working for the emperor. We read earlier in Philippians how Paul (while in chains) spread the message of Jesus to the imperial guard. The word then went from his cell via his jailers to the entourage working in the royal palace. Many came to faith.

Nero, the emperor at the time, saw this new approach to God as a threat. He persecuted the growing Christian population, blaming them for a massive fire that consumed much of Rome. He fed believers to wild animals, and burned others alive as torches to illuminate his garden. I wonder how many of those in his household fell victim to his crimes?

Nero’s savagery failed to quash the faith. Brave people continued to follow Jesus. Eventually so many converted that Christianity became the dominant religion of the empire.

Caesar was not a fan. But Caesar never understood the power of the living God. The kingdom of heaven is like a tiny bit of yeast working its way through a mass of dough, quietly relentless. Nero and his empire faded. Today we stroll through the ruins while eating gelato. But faith in Jesus remains, and will remain, regardless of who’s a fan or not.

Philippians 4:22

Photo by Mauro Grazzi

Everyone I know strives for some level of success. Whether it’s climbing the career ladder or raising kids, we pursue favorable outcomes. In this mindset I’ve been encouraged to learn from my failures and try again. As (mostly successful) people have told me—failure should be your friend. My retort—but not my only friend.

Moses led a great expedition, filled with dangerous unknowns, and so pursued the Lord’s backing for success: Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands!

Moses prayed for the Lord to lay the foundations of success for the Hebrew people. He understood that without God’s patronage his wandering nation faced disaster in the wilderness, whether by starvation or conquest or going back to slavery in Egypt.

You and I can pray in the same way. We can ask the Lord to prosper the work of our hands. It may be a new business venture or planting a row of blackberries. Perhaps it involves family or friends or your church community. Regardless, like Moses, ask the Lord for the ability to get started, for sound planning, and for the wisdom to move forward.

Psalm 90:17

Photo by Pauline Bernard

I like some people more than others. I liked my girlfriend so much I married her—best decision ever. I meet a lot of people in my line of work. Some I lean towards, enjoying a conversation and discovering mutual interests. I prefer quick-witted and funny. Others come across as aloof or distant. Of course, I may present to them as an odd little man, so I cannot complain if things don’t click.

It’s easy to find myself partial to someone and standoffish to another. Fortunately, the Good Lord holds no standards on who is hip and who is not. In a teaching to overseers and servants, Paul reminds the folks in charge that the same God is Lord over both master and slave. Indeed, there is no partiality with Him.

We treat each other with respect and dignity because we are all creatures of the living God. He imbues us with value. Our standing in this world changes that naught. The wealthy, the poor, the wise, the foolish, the addict on the street and the tycoon on his yacht all stand before the Lord on equal footing. We’re made from the same simple dust of the earth. No one springs from super-dust laced with sprinkles.

God loves me, but God is not overly enamored with me compared with anyone else. I’m cherished in his eyes, as is everyone else I meet. One reason Jesus told us to do unto others as you would have done unto you is because we walk among highly valuable people. I pray that the Lord helps me remember this truth, and moves me to treat each and every person I meet with the respect and grace they deserve.

Ephesians 6:5-9

Photo by Mandy Naleli