Clouds

July 19, 2020

We watched them rolling in across the waves, gathering strength as they approached. Radar revealed a massive storm making its way from Canada, across Lake Erie to its eastern shore where it struck with a fury (BTW, my erratic typing pointed out that fury and furry are only one letter and a world of meaning apart). The cloud bank formed a clearly visible line that was fascinating to see. We hurriedly gathered all our picnic gear, literally throwing things in the back of the truck and trunks of cars, barely able to hold onto the tables as the wind caught them like sails. We were barely a mile down the road when the heavens opened in a torrent the likes of which I haven’t experienced in years. Half an hour later, we got soaked literally to the skin bringing everything inside so we could finish celebrating our July birthdays. It was certainly the most memorable beach birthday yet!

Gazing at those clouds got me to thinking about Nate’s prayer this morning. He spoke of that “great cloud of witnesses” mentioned in Hebrews 12:1—those faithful ones who have died and gone to their reward. Far from sitting on a cloud strumming harps, these are like the spectators at a foot race, standing in the bleachers, cheering us on. They are no ordinary spectators like someone once described football stands as “twenty-two thousand desperately in need of exercise cheering twenty-two desperately in need of rest.” No indeed—these are those who themselves ran the same race and are encouraging us with their example of faithfulness, cheering us on to our finish line.

It is peculiar that the writer describes these faithful ones as a “great cloud.” The Biblical writers had quite an affinity for clouds. The Great Flood of Noah—God’s judgment on the world—came from clouds that poured forth for forty days and nights. God appeared to Moses in the cloud on Sinai, and led the children of Israel in a cloud by day. Upon the dedication of both the Tabernacle and the Temple, a cloud descended upon them, so glorious that no one could enter.  When Jesus was transfigured, he was engulfed in a cloud, and when he ascended, it was in a cloud. 

Shekinah was the term they gave these clouds; the awesome brightly shining presence of God himself. Whether shining so brightly as to force people to turn away in acknowledgment of their sin, or thundering in the majestic power of the storm, clouds signified the glory of God himself. The amazing part of this text is that the cloud of God’s glory either consists of, or is filled with his faithful ones. Here in this life, because of our sin, the glory of God is only partially revealed in us; when our sin is finally and completely eradicated, God’s glory will shine unhindered and complete in and through us. Years ago, I learned that in redemption Jesus saves us from the penalty of sin; in sanctification Jesus saves us from the power of sin; in glorification Jesus saves us from the presence of sin. What a glorious day that will be! 

In the meantime, we are called to holiness so as much as is possible, people can see the majestic glory of God in us. That great cloud of witnesses is on their feet! “Don’t give up! You can do it! God’s grace is sufficient for you! You stumbled, so get up again and start running! Yes, it’s painful; yes, it is lonely at times; yes, there are obstacles and naysayers, but we are telling you, it’s worth it! So don’t quit! Run your race as Jesus did, enduring the cross and despising the shame, until you too, can sit in victory with all the saints of history, gathered around the throne of God in worship and adoration.”