The Trinity: The Pillar of Fire
And the LORD went before them
by day in a pillar of cloud to lead the way,
and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light,
so as to go by day and night.
He did not take away the pillar of cloud by day
or the pillar of fire by night from before the people.
The Pillar of Fire that led Israel through the wilderness is a picture of the Lord. It was more than a flame; it was His presence with His people. Jesus is a Light to guide, to protect and to comfort His people. When Isaiah went into the Temple, he saw the smoke from the sacrificial altar drifting up into Heaven. That was the Shekinah glory cloud that symbolized God’s presence. Then Isaiah cried out, “I saw the Lord” (Isaiah 6:1). Because the Lord is Light, He will give illumination, wisdom and guidance.
Lord, thank You for light in my life. Let me experience Your presence today. I want to see You.
The Lord manifested Himself in a Pillar of Fire; but if you were to take away the smoke and the clouds, you wouldn’t see anything, for there’s nothing to see. No one can see God, because God is Spirit (John 4:24). But in order for people to know where God was located, He appeared in a column of smoke or fire or in a thick cloud (Exodus 40:34-35). God is invisible, so He can be everywhere present at the same time. God is Spirit, so He can be near you and indwell you. Just as the Lord led Israel by a Pillar of Fire, let Him lead you today.
Lord, I feel comfortable in the fire of Your presence. Thank You for light and direction. Lead me today. Amen.
Go Deeper: Exodus 13:20-22, Exodus 14:1-20
