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S (SCRIPTURE):Exodus
Then the cloud covered the Tabernacle, and the glory of the Lord filled the Tabernacle. 35 Moses could no longer enter the Tabernacle because the cloud had settled down over it, and the glory of the Lord filled the Tabernacle. 36 Now whenever the cloud lifted from the Tabernacle, the people of Israel would set out on their journey, following it. 37 But if the cloud did not rise, they remained where they were until it lifted. 38 The cloud of the Lord hovered over the Tabernacle during the day, and at night fire glowed inside the cloud so the whole family of Israel could see it. This continued throughout all their journeys.
O (OBSERVATION): The Glory of the Lord fills the tabernacle. God's presence is known through cloud and fire, just as it had along the journey throughout Exodus from Slavery.
A (APPLICATION): Finishing the book of Exodus on a promise that God continues to be present throughout all the peoples journeys together reveals more of the covenant. I'm also reminded of the 3 ways we experience God's presence; Explosion (mountain top experiences when God just shows up), Erosion (when we find God in the pit of despair), and Excavation (being equipped with the shovel of God's word, prayer, accountability). Throughout this Lenten Journey, I have been able to pinpoint more and more of these three aspects of God's presence and reflect on them.
There is great hope in knowing God's presence because grace is experienced in seeing the cloud and fire. It is reassurance for the journey ahead.
P (PRAYER): Lord, thanks for showing up.