Fears about the Icelandic volcanic ash clouds have diminished. While the eruption was very big, most of the ash seems to have gone north and east, so European air space is not affected.
But yesterday's rain and thunder was a change from normal service. Maybe we will have more rain bearing cloud cover in the days ahead. The start of the Cricket Test season would seem to herald more rain!
But Cloud Cover is very important in the Bible story.
In the New Testament, when Jesus is with his inner circle up a mountain, and he is praying, a cloud comes down, with the voice from the Cloud Cover. 'Then a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my dearly loved Son. Listen to him.” (Mark.9.7) What a wonderfully simple message for us all today.
But centuries before, while Moses was building the Tabernacle in the wilderness, for the travelling Israelites to be able to worship the Lord and to offer sacrifices, they too experienced Cloud Cover.
'Now whenever the cloud lifted from the Tabernacle, the people of Israel would set out on their journey, following it. But if the cloud did not rise, they remained where they were until it lifted. 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. (Exodus 40.36-38) This 40 years experience of the Lord showing his presence with them by his Cloud Cover was a defining memory. It shaped their lives and directed them effectively
It is not too fanciful for us to think about whether we have the 'Cloud Cover' of the Lord's presence with us every day. We all have to make decisions and find the right direction for our lives and those around us, and our Lord has promised to lead us and guide us. Are we looking for Cloud Cover? Are we listening to Him, or going our own way?
Best wishes,
Richard
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