When God Says, “Go”…in the Middle of the Night

And so it was, when the cloud abode from even unto the morning, and that the cloud was taken up in the morning, then they journeyed: whether it was by day or by night that the cloud was taken up, they journeyed.  Or whether it were two days, or a month, or a year, that the cloud tarried upon the tabernacle, remaining thereon, the children of Israel abode in their tents, and journeyed not: but when it was taken up, they journeyed.

(Numbers 9:21-22)

First off, I’m going to go all Literature teacher on you and point out that this writer used a great literary technique by repeating the phrase, “They journeyed” over and over again.  This repetition sets a scene in my head and adds a little bit of a dry…humor may not be quite the right word, but close enough.

What sticks out to you in these verses?

That’s a question that my dad asks in a lot of his sermons.  He fully expects audience feedback, and thankfully my church obliges well.

In this set of verses, the phrase that sticks out to me is, “or by night.”

The Israelites waited on God to lead them, and they were willing to pack up and leave whenever He said, “It’s time to go.”  Even in the dead of night.  Imagine it: the cloud lifts and starts moving in the middle of the night.  In the family tent, the mother packs quickly (having been diligently awaiting this signal to move ever since they stopped last time) and wakes sleeping children, dressing them hurriedly and divvying out parcels to carry.  The father prepares the livestock and takes care of logistics, helping take down the tent after everything is removed from the inside and packing it for travel.  All in the dark, by the light of a few lanterns.

So what about me?  When God says, “Go,” too often I miss the command entirely.  Or I drag my feet and end up missing the opportunity.

Look for the signal.  Be ready to move quickly.  And actually move.

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This post is linked up at the Modest Mom Blog, Good Morning Monday