Isaiah saw a day when the glory would return to Zion (Isaiah 4:2-6). A day when the Branch, the promised Messiah, would visibly reign, beautiful and glorious. A day when those living in Jerusalem–those enrolled to abide there–are called holy because the Lord had washed away their filth.

And Isaiah also saw that on that day when the glory returns, the presence of the Almighty will be manifest over His people with a cloud by day, and smoke and the shining of a flaming fire by night. Just as He had when He led them out of bondage from Egypt, the Lord’s presence would go before His people in a pillar of cloud and fire (Ex. 13:21).

Thus, says Isaiah, there will be a canopy.

. . . for over all the glory there will be a canopy. There will be a booth for shade by day from the heat, and for a refuge and a shelter from the storm and rain.

(Isaiah 4:5b-6 ESV)

A chamber of protection when He led them out of bondage from Egypt. A covering when He reigns over His people in Zion. And I’m wondering if there isn’t a principle here. That, where God’s people are, there will be a canopy.

That, while not visible like it once was and one day will be, a covering exists over those who have been set apart as holy through Christ’s cleansing work of redemption and regeneration by the cross. That, even over this current, invisible kingdom of heaven–one which exists in the midst of those called to be His own (Lk. 17:21)–there is a chamber of divine protection. A tent for shade from the heat. A refuge and shelter from the storm. An ever present canopy.

To be sure, it was easier to see during the days of Israel’s wilderness wandering. And, it will be unmistakable in that day when the Branch is seated in power. But I’m thinking that we too, as those set apart as holy, can also, by faith, enter into each day knowing that we too are covered. That there is a canopy.

His presence with us. His protection over us. His Spirit leading us.

Shade from the heat of the battle. Shelter from the tumult of the storm.

Assured that He is our booth. He is our tabernacle. He is our canopy.

By His grace. For His glory.