Bibledoorajar: The Right Guide

     "Guide me O Thou Great Jehovah

       Pilgrim through this barren land."

John Hughes

     When Moses and the children of Israel moved out, the Bible says they were dressed for war. But God did not think they were ready for war and He guided them around the Philistines thus taking a longer route. There is nothing in this story that says the Israelites prayed to God and asked for a guide. But God knew exactly what His people needed after their redemption. It was a guide. God had told Moses years earlier that Moses and His people would worship Him at the mountain of Horeb. And so the guide came to assure that this would take place. How did it come? It came in the form of a pillar of cloud and fire. It ranged from the heavens down over the Israeli encampment. The pillar was present  day and night, every day and night as long as the people of God honored Him and sought to worship Him.

     When God's children accept the blood of the Lamb, He sends a guide so that we can make our way through this worldly wilderness. The Bible says the Holy Spirit descends from above. It is a good thing to "see" Him thus in our lives. Always present day and night, every day and night as long as we honor Him and seek to worship Him.  One has to admit that such a guide is a great comfort to one who may not be as ready for war as he thinks. One has to admit that each day being protected as we trust and obey is also a marvelous gift of comfort. Jesus told His disciples that after He went to heaven He would send them a Comforter. In John 14: 15 ff we read:

"If you love me, you will obey what I command. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Comforter to be with you forever--the Spirit of Truth. The world cannot accept Him, because it neither sees Him not know Him."

The Israeli's were on their way to places of worship. The Pillar would see that they made it. We also have a great assurance. Never forget, you are not alone, child of God. As the song says, His is a powerful Hand.