Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. And Moses was not able to enter the tent of meeting because the cloud settled on it, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. Throughout all their journeys, whenever the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the people of Israel would set out. But if the cloud was not taken up, then they did not set out till the day that it was taken up. For 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.
Exodus 40:34-38 ESV
I love this passage. It marks the end of the book of Exodus. The previous 15 chapters had been a recitation of God’s instructions and Israel’s response concerning the tabernacle and the priesthood. The last words of verse 33 are, “So Moses finished the work.” At this point, they had done everything they knew to do-they had followed their instructions as far as they understood them. Now it’s time to follow that cloud. It’s one thing to say, “Yes, Lord, we’re going to the land of promise.” It’s quite another thing to set out into the unknown to get there.
So many things in the Christian life are like that. We have some instructions. Some things we know to do, but when we finish the work, then what? Then you follow the cloud of His presence and trust Him to provide the next step when you get there. If you’re a worship leader, you prepare a song list, you practice the songs, you pray and step up, and then you follow the cloud. The anointing will be on one song more than another. Stay where the cloud is, even if it means not using your entire list. If you’re a counselor, educate yourself, gather knowledge, review your notes, pray, and then pay attention to the Spirit of God. Listen to your client and to the Holy Spirit. Don’t ever let ministry become a formula.
For the preacher, prepare! Study. Meditate. Pray. Give it all you’ve got. But when you step into that pulpit, look for the cloud. You don’t have to preach everything you have prepared. Follow the anointing, not just the outline. Just as importantly, don’t be led by what you naturally know about individual needs in the church. God knows needs on a level you can’t imagine. You treat symptoms, God treats causes. Stay where the cloud is. Be ready to stop when the cloud moves. We’ve all been in those services where the climax of the message came 20 minutes before the preacher stopped preaching. When the cloud lifts, find a good way to end it, and then minister to people based on where you were when the cloud moved. Lose your agenda and follow His.
As we go to the gathering of the saints, let’s do what we know to do: pray, expect, be on time, worship, etc. But when the service starts, let’s be prepared to follow the cloud. It’s Miracle Time!
Check out “Is There and Interpreter in the House?” for more ideas on how to move with the cloud in your service.
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