God’s presence was in the pillar of fire and the pillar of cloud. Read Exodus 13:21-22. For 400 years, the Hebrew people wondered if God was with them. God came to Moses in the burning bush and said that God saw them, heard them, cared for them, and was coming to them. After God sent 10 plagues to Egypt, the Pharaoh released the Hebrew slaves. Moses led them out of Egypt. To guide Moses and the Hebrew people, God filled a pillar with God’s presence. It looked like a cloud by day and a fire by night. The pillar of God’s presence led them through the wilderness for 40 years. It is last mentioned in Deuteronomy when Moses and Joshua met at the Tabernacle, and God transfers leadership responsibilities to Joshua. Presence is an important part of our faith. We believe in God. We believe God is with us. In response, we are to gather with other believers to worship God. Showing up matters. Our presence is so important that we include it as one of the membership vows. “I will be loyal to my church and uphold her with my presence.” God shows up for us and sets the example for us to show up for each other. Today’s prayer is from Psalm 139.

Lord God, where can we go from your Spirit? Where can we flee from your presence? If we go up to the heavens, you are there; if we make our bed in the depths, you are there. If we rise on the wings of the dawn, if we settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide us, your right hand will hold us fast. Amen.