The Israelites had the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night. In spite of this guidance from God they still made many mistakes and were easily led astray. Theirs sins were so bad that with two exceptions they never their Promised Land.
At times I long for pillars of cloud and fire to guide me because like the Israelites I often take the wrong path. Then I realise I am not travelling across a sandy desert where these aids are needed; I’m crossing the desert of life and God has given me my own pillars. I have the whole Bible in my own language; the scriptures which the Israelites had were incomplete. I have the gift of the Holy Spirit for my guidance. Prayer and Christian fellowship are available for me. I can only pray that unlike the Israelites I do indeed reach my Promised Land.