Epiphany
February 21, 2017
Scripture Reading: Exodus 24:12-18
Then Moses went up on the mountain, and the cloud covered the mountain. The glory of the Lord settled on Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it for six days; on the seventh day he called to Moses out of the cloud. Now the appearance of the glory of the Lord was like a devouring fire on the top of the mountain in the sight of the people of Israel. Moses entered the cloud, and went up on the mountain. Moses was on the mountain for forty days and forty nights. –Exodus 24:15-18
I must say I do not think I have ever considered being in a fog, whether mental or physical, in positive terms. I like to know where I am and have some sense of what lies ahead of me. When I hear a morning weather report indicating zero visibility, I take caution. Driving becomes a slow and tedious process with every fiber of my being on alert. When I was a senior in high school with only one year of driving experience, I drove from our farm to a nearby town for a dental appointment in an early morning dense fog. That evening on the news I heard that a pedestrian was struck by a car and killed on my route about the same time I made my trip. I did not see anyone on the road and did not see the accident happening or being cleared. I trembled at the news as it could easily have been me driving the car that killed the man.
I rather think Moses was in a mental fog when he ascended the mountain wondering where do we go from here? He chose to walk into a dense fog as a part of finding his way out of a mental fog. Is that what faith is all about? Is faith taking our own lack of understanding deep into the presence of the mystery of God in search of wholeness and guidance? Is that done with the assurance a baby feels resting in the arms of a loving mother?
Prayer: Parent of all, give us the courage to enter your presence with the certain hope of your loving arms surrounding us. Make us whole as your Spirit’s wind blows away the fogs of life that overcome us. Show us your way, your truth, and your life. Amen.