1. 1 The Cloud John 8:12 The Cloud in the Desert God’s Presence God’s Protection God’s Guidance

2. 2 The Cloud John 8:12 The Cloud in the Desert  “Light of the world” – not sun; Mal. 4:2  Spoken after Feast of Tabernacles  In the courtyard of the women – v. 20  First ceremony was water from Siloam  Isaiah 12:3  Psalm 114:7-8

3. 3 The Cloud John 8:12 The Cloud in the Desert  Second ceremony – two great torches  Pillar of Cloud – 3 fold  Pillar of Fire – 3 fold  Makes a pattern in chapters 6, 7, 8  Chapter 6 – manna in the wilderness  Chapter 7 – rock and spring of water  Chapter 8 – pillar of smoke and fire

4. 4 The Cloud John 8:12 God’s Presence  The cloud gave off light  The cloud was huge and towering  Exodus 13:21-22  Numbers 10:35-36  God spoke and judged from the cloud  God had removed cloud from temple  John 1:14

5. 5 The Cloud John 8:12 God’s Protection  Barrier between Israelites and enemies  Provided shade and heat in harsh area  Miraculous provision by God

6. 6 The Cloud John 8:12 God’s Guidance  No landmarks in the desert  Guide to people both day and night  Desert produces mirages and distortion  Sure way to know when & how to move  When Jesus moves, we move!  When He abides, we abide!

7. 7 The Cloud John 8:12 Conclusion Jesus said: “ Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” “I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in Me should stay in darkness.”

8. 8 The Cloud John 8:12 Application Are you following Christ? If you are truly committed to this, then you should recognize His presence, His protection, and His guidance in your life!