Thought

Have you ever been planning a fun trip for a long time, and then the day finally comes when you are leaving? It feels so good just to be taking a step in the direction of your destination, and you have so much hope for the good times to come. But you also might be a little nervous about the traveling part itself. The Israelites must have felt a little like this as they began to follow God’s leading to the land He had promised them. They looked forward to the goodness to come but knew there would be many steps to take and enemies to battle along the way.

Word

Numbers 10:35–36 NIV

Whenever the ark set out, Moses said,

“Rise up, Lord!
May your enemies be scattered;
may your foes flee before you.”

Whenever it came to rest, he said,

“Return, Lord,
to the countless thousands of Israel.”

Question

What did God say he would do?

What did God say He would do when the Israelites went into battle against their enemy and sounded a blast on the trumpets?

Challenge

The cloud of the Lord was over the Israelites as they set out from their camp on their journey. You can create a cloud in a jar (with a parent’s help). You’ll need a glass jar, warm water, a match, and a foil pie pan filled with ice or an ice pack. Fill a glass jar with about 2 inches of warm water (water should not be boiling temperature). The water will start to evaporate and rise in the jar, though you won’t see it. Ask an adult for help with this next part: light a match, blow it out fast, and then drop it into the jar. Right away, place the foil pie pan with ice in it over the jar’s opening. Watch and you should see a cloud appear near the top of the jar. If you take the pie pan away, the cloud will disappear.

Prayer

God, I don’t know where I am going in my life exactly, but I know I want You to lead me. Amen.