Cleft of the Rock

I was recently on a business trip in southern Utah and found with the daylight hours extending until 9PM, I had time to explore some of the many state and national parks after work.  During a hike though Snow Canyon I found the unique rock outcropping pictured above.  It reminded me of the story of Moses being hidden in the cleft of the rock as God passed by.   As I peered out through the opening I was in awe of the beauty before me.  It is hard to visit such a place and not pause to marvel at just how creative God is.  His sculptures, design, and colors can not be matched by any artist.  I am simply blow away by his creation.  

Exodus 33:21-23New International Version

²¹ Then the Lord said, “There is a place near me where you may stand on a rock. ²² When my glory passes by, I will put you in a cleft in the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by. ²³ Then I will remove my hand and you will see my back; but my face must not be seen.”

 Carved by wind and water

Feeling small and in Awe in Zion

Work in Progress

We are all works in progress, thus I thought is would be fitting to post this painting before it is entirely complete.  While painting this I was thinking about God's presence passing over us.  Moses experienced this while hidden in the cleft of a rock.

^{Exodus 33:18} Then Moses said, “Now show me your glory.”
¹⁹ And the Lord said, “I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the Lord, in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. ²⁰ But,” he said, “you cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live.”
²¹ Then the Lord said, “There is a place near me where you may stand on a rock. ²² When my glory passes by, I will put you in a cleft in the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by. ²³ Then I will remove my hand and you will see my back; but my face must not be seen.”

After this experience Moses's face glowed with the glory of God.  It was so bright that it had to be covered with a veil.  We have the opportunity through the Holy spirit living in us to shine with the light of God.  My prayer today is that I would allow God to shine through me and that I would always be willing to be: God's Work in Progress.

Question to ponder.  In what way is God working on you and through you?