Scripture: Exodus 24:18
Moses entered the cloud and went up the mountain. Moses stayed on the mountain for forty days and forty nights.
Thought for the Day: This is the setting for a theophany (a God-encounter). Many religions look to mountains, specifically cloud covered mountains, as a place where God is met. I would guess that many of us would find a mountain top that reaches beyond the clouds to be inspiring and breath-taking. It is understandable why ancient people might assume God would be found when someone goes beyond the clouds — as if s/he is exiting one world and entering another. Where is your cloud covered mountain? I would guess that most of us might describe a place far from an actual mountain, but a place where it feels as if we are passing from one realm to another. The little chapel on the church’s campus has been such a place for me on occasion. I remember running on a beautiful beach at sunrise one morning where I didn’t see another person. It was like breaking the cloud line on my way to meet God. For others, it might be a special room in the house that is full of memories or where there are evocative symbols. We all need these places, for I do not believe such experiences are only for Moses-like folks.
Prayer: Lead me into a moment where the veil between us is eliminated, O Gracious God. Provide me moments of awe and inspiration where I feel as if I have been touched by your loving presence…even if it is only for a moment or two. Amen.
