In The Shadow

Matt and I took a rode trip this summer traveling to Portland to visit the Mackey's, Couer D' Alene to camp out and visit an old friend, Glacier National Park for a family get-together, Little Big Horn, Deadwood, SD, and Mount Rushmore. We made our way to the northwestern part of the state of Indiana, which is considered a subperb of Chicago. I left Matt there in the good hands of his grandparents and headed for home alone. I expected the weather to be hot and humid. The first half of the trip was mostly hot. With the top off of the jeep, wet bandana's around our necks and plenty of cold drinks along the way, we somehow managed. The second half of the trip was mostly rain. When it should have been hot, the clouds covered the sun, casting giant shadows on the landscape below. While in the direct sun was hot, being in the shadow was what I wanted, for the clouds protected us from the sun. When the Israelites were in the wilderness, God made His presence known to them in the form of a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. Sometimes I wish that God's presence was that vivid and His direction so clear, for if you stepped out of the shadow of the cloud, you knew you were going the wrong way. The sun is almost always out in the Sinai desert. Winter months the temperature ranges from 46 to 68 degrees. Summer months the temperature is a warm 100 degrees. Year round, the nights get chilly. God made His presence known to Israel in a way that met their physical need. God appeared as a pillar of fire at night. When the nights were chilly, God kept them warm. When the days were hot and without shade, God provided them the comfort and protection of His shadow. Even in the desert times of life, God makes Himself known in ways that take care of our needs. When tempted to go on in our own strength and wisdom, God is still there, inviting us to come and find rest and comfort, peace and grace. The Psalmist used a different metaphor, but with the same idea. He said, "hide me in the shadow of your wings," and "I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings." Is there any other place that is more attractive and desirable? To be in the shadow means to be in His presence and under His care and protection. May you come in from the weather and find refuge in the shadow of the Almighty God. May you always want to be in His shadow. Blessings, Pastor Pete