Clouds are usually associated with negative things or events. There are even a few expressions that clearly connect clouds with bad or evil things such as:
“He is under a cloud of suspicion”
“He is clouding the issue”
“A cloud hangs over you”
There are other expressions similar to these, but you get the point. A cloudy day is usually considered horrible, while a sunny day is wonderful. I agree that a day filled with sunshine is more desirable, especially for outdoor activities; but clouds are important and necessary.
Clouds give us much needed shade in hot days. Clouds also carry the blessed raindrops that fall on the dry ground and gives life to plants, animals and humans alike. You could say that the rain is like kisses of love from heaven.
In the Bible, clouds have a preeminent place.
Noah saw a sign of God’s covenant in a cloud
“I set My rainbow in the cloud, and it shall be for the sign of the covenant between Me and the earth.” (Genesis 9:13)
The Israelites were guided and protected by a cloud
“And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so as to go by day and night.” (Exodus 13:21)
Jesus ascended to heaven in a cloud
“Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight.” (Acts 1:9)
The Rapture of the church will be in the clouds
“Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.” (1 Thessalonians 4:17)
Our Lord will return in the clouds
“Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen.” (Revelation 1:7)
So you see, my beloved, being under a cloud is not a bad thing after all. Clouds are vehicles of manifold blessings. Clouds bring the much needed rain and clouds will bring our Lord and Savior very soon. Look up and praise God for all his creation and especially for the clouds.
I pray that some of us will be alive on that blessed and glorious day, when a lowly cloud will usher the King of kings as He comes to rapture his church. Come soon Lord Jesus!
A. G.
