I missed getting to celebrate Easter with you. And I know I recorded the reminder in the Children's time that we would celebrate again when we got to be together but I wanted you to know that I miss each of you. I miss your energy. I miss your movement. I miss your smiles, high fives, hugs, peace signs. I miss all the things that we used to be able to do. Do you miss anything right now?
When these days of staying home first started I was reading daily out of the book of Exodus and sharing some thoughts with you. But as it was getting exciting - the 10 plagues and Moses leading the people through the water and pharaoh's army drowning - I needed a break. We read the Psalms and then it was Holy Week but this morning I opened by bible back and picked up the story in Exodus. After Moses leads the people out of Egypt they spend time wandering in the wilderness - trying to get to the promised land. And you know what the people complained a lot. I don't know about you but I've been complaining a bit about what's going on. I miss doing the things that I like - like gathering all together for church and spending time with friends, etc. I understand a little of how the Israelites felt in the wilderness. But when I opened my devotion today the Old Testament reading was in still in Exodus but it was after they'd gotten the 10 commandments and other laws. Today's reading is Exodus 25:1-22. It's when they build the Ark of the Covenant.
Do you know about the Ark of the Covenant? It was where they carried the 10 commandments but more importantly God was with them but not in the box. The top of the box they were to put a mercy seat and it was then covered by the wings of angels. And God was with them in the mercy seat. And so wherever they went, God was with them. I needed that reminder today. I needed to hear again that in this time of unknown that God was with us. And I needed the reminder that people throughout history needed that reminder.
I hope that at some point today that you take a moment and know that God is with you. Perhaps you'll hear the wind in the trees and remember that God is with you. Or you'll hear the birds chirping and know that God created them. Or perhaps you will have this overwhelming feeling that everything will be ok - and know that is the Holy Spirit. However it comes, know that God is with you.
Let us pray: God we love you and we know you love us. Help us to know today that you are with us always. In Jesus name, amen.