“Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle … In all the travels of the Israelites, whenever the cloud lifted from above the tabernacle,
they would set out; but if the cloud did not lift, they did not set out—until the day it lifted. So the cloud of the Lord was over the tabernacle by day, and fire was in the cloud by night,
in the sight of all the Israelites during all their travels.”

When my wife, Pat, and I were packing to move back to Houston after serving as the interim pastor’s family in Oklahoma City for over two years, this scripture came to mind.
The Holy Spirit of the Lord was given to the children of Israel as a cloud by day, and a pillar of fire at night. When the cloud began to move and lead the way, the children of
Israel packed up and followed the way God was leading them. To would-be disciples, Jesus says: “Follow me!” Jesus had no “home” to go to, but the call is the same to one and
all: “Follow me!” So it is for all who would follow Jesus. We are led by the Holy Spirit, and are to remember that in this world we have not a lasting home, but are on a journey with
Jesus and the joy of the Lord is our strength!

We thank you God that we are never alone! May we go with you dear Lord, into the future, trusting in the Holy Spirit to make us true followers of Jesus. Amen.

– Shared by Rev. Hugh L. Parsons