Luke 21:20-38
We like to see beautiful clouds: there is a “cloud of glory” mentioned in the Bible, which was different from all other clouds.
A cloud was over the people of Israel all the way of their journey across the Red Sea and for forty years in the deserts, but not called “a cloud of glory”, only when the glory filled the tabernacle, Ex. 20:20-22; Ex. 40:34-38.
When God spoke to Moses on Mt. Sinai the cloud of glory abode upon the mount six days. When the great temple, or “House of God”, was finished in Jerusalem, the cloud of glory filled it (2 Chron. 5:13, 14).
When three disciples were with Jesus on the mountain and God spoke to them, “a bright cloud overshadowed them” (Matt. 17:5).
There is an event to come, and a cloud and glory, so great it cannot be described, we can only give the Lord Jesus’ words: “And then shall they see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.”
The Lord’s coming will be unexpected to people, as “a snare” is sudden to a bird or animal. More is written of how sudden: “As lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall the coming of the Son of man be” (Matt. 24:27, Luke 17:24)
More also is told of the troubles bore, for those who believe God, and of the judgments to those who do not believe. But it is important to notice that in this, no time is given; only that when Christ comes, He will be seen of all, and there can be no mistake.
Then none can reject the Lord Jesus and after that His promised righteous rule will begin, for He said, “Then know ye that the Kingdom of God is at hand.” (v. 31).
These words were later told the disciple John to write,
“Behold He cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see Him, and they also which pierced Him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of Him.” Rev. 1:7.
It was written of the cloud of glory over Mt. Siani; “The sight of the glory of the Lord was like a devouring fire... in the sight of the children of Israel.” Ex. 24:16, 17.
How much greater the cloud of glory will be when Christ comes and all on earth see!
About the same time Jesus told of that great coming, He told those men who believed and loved Him that He would “come and receive them unto Himself.” John 14:3. And it was written to the early Christians that all who believe shall be called into the clouds to meet the Lord, which is their hope, before His coming in power and glory to judge (see 1 Thess. 1:13-18). This also will be quickly and no time is set.
The Lord is now waiting for all who will trust in Him their Saviour, and confess His name now.
ML 01/13/1946