Week of Monday March 16 – March 22
Spiritual GPS – Man as Provider
“Whether it was two days, or a month, or a longer time, that the cloud continued over the tabernacle, abiding there, the people of Israel remained in camp and did not set out, but when it lifted they set out. At the command of the Lord they camped, and at the command of the Lord they set out. They kept the charge of the Lord, at the command of the Lord by Moses.” - Numbers 9:22-23 ESV
Today, we use our cell phones and our cars to navigate, but do you remember the days of the GPS? You can thank the U.S. Military for that great invention. President Reagan made the technology public in 1983. Soon the Global Positioning System not only pinpointed your spot on the map, but also allowed input of your desired destination and provided turn by turn directions. Then came other developments like traffic reporting, detour suggestions, and even helpful information from rest stops to restaurants.
That all sounds great, but there was a hitch. If you don’t update it, the GPS could lead you astray. Obviously, roads are not static. There are closures for maintenance, new roads and highway construction, new interchanges built, improved access points and exits added, etc. Consequently, if the software in the GPS is outdated, the directions may not match up with the actual situation you encounter on the road, which may lead to you getting confused or even lost.
However, what God provided for ancient Israel trumps any modern navigation system. He supplied a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night to guide the Israelites. There were no mistakes in God’s guidance. No software update needed. It was flawless every single time. All they had to do was keep their eyes on the cloud or fire, move when it moved and stay put when it stopped. For the Israelites in the wilderness, the "GPS" wasn’t a digital map—it was Divine Presence. They didn't have to debate the route or check the weather. Because they knew Who was leading, they didn't have to worry about where they were going.
We no longer look for a literal cloud, but we have someone even closer: The Holy Spirit who lives in everyone who has accept Christ as their Savior. In fact, Jesus promised that the Spirit would “guide us into all truth” (John 16:13). God’s guidance today comes through the wisdom of His Word, conversations with God in prayer, God’s providential opening and closing of doors in our lives and confirmed by the "peace of God" in our hearts. Like the Israelites, when the Lord gives us directions, all we need to do is humbly obey. Move out or stay put at His word.
When it comes to our roles as providers of spiritual direction for our families, here are some applications:
Leadership is First Followship: The most profound thing a man can do is show his wife and children that he is under God’s authority, that we are following the Lord. Your family gains security when they see you seeking God’s “cloud” (through Scripture and prayer) before making big decisions, then moving when God directs a move.
Leaders Must Stay Spiritually Sensitive: The Israelites had to be ready to move at a moment’s notice (v. 21). To do that they had to keep their eyes on the cloud. You must be the "watchman," looking for God’s activity in your home. Leading means being flexible enough to pivot your family's priorities (spending more time in prayer, cutting back on sports, or increasing service to others) based on where God is clearly moving in your lives.
Leaders Must Guard the Pace: Men often feel the pressure to “get there”—to the next promotion, the bigger house, etc. However, sometimes spiritual leadership means slowing down the family. If the “cloud” isn't moving, no clear Word or peace from God, don't drag your family into a “wilderness” of your own making. Leadership is knowing when to stay put and wait on the Lord.
True leadership in the home (and elsewhere) begins with humble submission to God’s direction. Just as Israel followed the cloud, a man must keep his eyes fixed on the Lord so he can faithfully lead. Remember, a man who follows God well will lead others well, providing a trustworthy spiritual GPS.
Spiritual GPS – Man as Provider
“Whether it was two days, or a month, or a longer time, that the cloud continued over the tabernacle, abiding there, the people of Israel remained in camp and did not set out, but when it lifted they set out. At the command of the Lord they camped, and at the command of the Lord they set out. They kept the charge of the Lord, at the command of the Lord by Moses.” - Numbers 9:22-23 ESV
Today, we use our cell phones and our cars to navigate, but do you remember the days of the GPS? You can thank the U.S. Military for that great invention. President Reagan made the technology public in 1983. Soon the Global Positioning System not only pinpointed your spot on the map, but also allowed input of your desired destination and provided turn by turn directions. Then came other developments like traffic reporting, detour suggestions, and even helpful information from rest stops to restaurants.
That all sounds great, but there was a hitch. If you don’t update it, the GPS could lead you astray. Obviously, roads are not static. There are closures for maintenance, new roads and highway construction, new interchanges built, improved access points and exits added, etc. Consequently, if the software in the GPS is outdated, the directions may not match up with the actual situation you encounter on the road, which may lead to you getting confused or even lost.
However, what God provided for ancient Israel trumps any modern navigation system. He supplied a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night to guide the Israelites. There were no mistakes in God’s guidance. No software update needed. It was flawless every single time. All they had to do was keep their eyes on the cloud or fire, move when it moved and stay put when it stopped. For the Israelites in the wilderness, the "GPS" wasn’t a digital map—it was Divine Presence. They didn't have to debate the route or check the weather. Because they knew Who was leading, they didn't have to worry about where they were going.
We no longer look for a literal cloud, but we have someone even closer: The Holy Spirit who lives in everyone who has accept Christ as their Savior. In fact, Jesus promised that the Spirit would “guide us into all truth” (John 16:13). God’s guidance today comes through the wisdom of His Word, conversations with God in prayer, God’s providential opening and closing of doors in our lives and confirmed by the "peace of God" in our hearts. Like the Israelites, when the Lord gives us directions, all we need to do is humbly obey. Move out or stay put at His word.
When it comes to our roles as providers of spiritual direction for our families, here are some applications:
Leadership is First Followship: The most profound thing a man can do is show his wife and children that he is under God’s authority, that we are following the Lord. Your family gains security when they see you seeking God’s “cloud” (through Scripture and prayer) before making big decisions, then moving when God directs a move.
Leaders Must Stay Spiritually Sensitive: The Israelites had to be ready to move at a moment’s notice (v. 21). To do that they had to keep their eyes on the cloud. You must be the "watchman," looking for God’s activity in your home. Leading means being flexible enough to pivot your family's priorities (spending more time in prayer, cutting back on sports, or increasing service to others) based on where God is clearly moving in your lives.
Leaders Must Guard the Pace: Men often feel the pressure to “get there”—to the next promotion, the bigger house, etc. However, sometimes spiritual leadership means slowing down the family. If the “cloud” isn't moving, no clear Word or peace from God, don't drag your family into a “wilderness” of your own making. Leadership is knowing when to stay put and wait on the Lord.
True leadership in the home (and elsewhere) begins with humble submission to God’s direction. Just as Israel followed the cloud, a man must keep his eyes fixed on the Lord so he can faithfully lead. Remember, a man who follows God well will lead others well, providing a trustworthy spiritual GPS.
- Am I actively seeking God’s direction before making decisions that affect my family—or am I relying on my own instincts and timeline?
- Would my wife and children clearly see that I am under God’s authority, or would they say I am leading independently of Him?
- Ask the Lord what adjustments He wants you to make in your family’s pace or priorities.