The Glory Cloud

 

The Glory Cloud 

The cloud of Glory signified God's presence,  was visible many times in the Bible. 

Today there are some who say they have seen the cloud, and I don't doubt their word, but although I have felt the presence of the Lord, I have not seen any of the claimed manifestations of a cloud, gold dust or fire.

Joshua Mills in his book tells us there are three manifestations of the glory. The First manifestation is just a feeling when you know God is present. Second a shining which may appear as a cloud, a light, even on people's faces. Third the thick cloud of glory so heavy that one can not stand, and often they lay prostrate before the Lord in adoration and worship.

In the Old Testament, the glory cloud was designed to lead the children of Israel, to protect them from the heat of the day, and to warm them at night.

Exodus 13:21 The Lord was going before them in a pillar of cloud by day to lead them on the way, and in a pillar of fire by night to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night.

God told Moses to come to the mountain, and the people were to wash their clothes, prepare their hearts and come close, but NOT to touch the mountain lest they be struck dead. The Lord not only appeared in a cloud-of-glory but He also caused thunder and lightening which frightened the people. They were afraid and fearful, because this was their first experience with the supernatural God of Heaven. They were so afraid that they begged Moses to go speak to God for them as they were in terror of His presence.

Today because of Jesus and His sacrifice, we are encouraged to come boldly into the throne room of Holy God. We do not simply rush in without preparation of our hearts before coming into His presence. But we are not afraid to come before Him and seek His face and His glory.

God desires obedience, reverence and respect while we are in His presence. 

Exodus 24:16 The glory of the Lord rested on Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it for six days; and on the seventh day He called to Moses from the midst of the cloud. Moses was 40 days in the presence of God receiving the Law and the commandments. While the people waited they became dissatisfied and told Aaron to build us a god that we can see touch and feel. This resulted in Aaron requesting a collection of their gold earrings from which he creating a golden calf and the people rose up to dance, to play and to worship the idol. 

 God was displeased and vowed to slay all the people, but Moses argued that if he did this, the other nations would wonder how he could deliver the people and then kill them, and this would be a mockery. God changed his mind but he did send a plague and many people died because of their rebellion.

Moses began to seek God and he requested in Exodus 33:18 to God: Show me Your glory!” God told Moses, I can only show you my back side, because to see my face it would be too much for you and you would die.

Exodus 33:9-10 Often whenever Moses entered the tent, the pillar of cloud would descend and stand at the entrance of the tent; and the LORD would speak with Moses. When all the people saw the pillar of cloud standing at the entrance of the tent, all the people would arise and worship, each at the entrance of his tent. The glory rested on Moses so much that his face shone and the people could not bear to look at him. It was necessary that he wear a veil to cover his face. 

At times the Glory was thick and according to Exodus 40:35 Moses was not able to enter the tent of meeting because the cloud had settled on it, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.

The glory cloud appeared with King Solomon at the temple dedication and also prior to the dedication, as the ministers worshiped:

2 Chronicles 5:13 It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the LORD; and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music, and praised the LORD, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endures for ever: that then the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of the LORD; so that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud, for the glory of the Lord filled the house of God.

Here again we view the glory so thick and heavy that the priests could not stand, but fell to the ground in worship.

2 Chronicles 7:1 Now when Solomon had finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices, and the glory of the Lord filled the house.

Ezekiel 1:28 Shares his experience: As the appearance of the rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the appearance of the surrounding radiance. Such was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. And when I saw it, I fell on my face and heard a voice speaking. And behold, the glory of the God of Israel was coming from the way of the east. And His voice was like the sound of many waters; and the earth shone with His glory.

Jesus took Peter James and John with him up on the mountain and he was transfigured before them and shone as the brightness of His Glory.

Jesus speaks of the future in Matthew: And then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky with power and great glory.

Again in Luke's gospel chapter 21; Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.

As Jesus left this earth in a cloud of glory, to return to heaven, two angels appeared and said, Do not fear, because this same Jesus that you see ascending into heaven shall return in like manner as you have seen Him go.

John tells of his visions in Revelation 10:1 I saw another strong angel coming down out of heaven, clothed with a cloud; and the rainbow was upon his head, and his face was like the sun, and his feet like pillars of fire;

As we approach a new year, with uncertainty around us, we must not forget to seek the presence of the Lord. Your secret place early in the morning is a good time to read your Bible, and pray. It is good to allow your prayer time not to only be requests for needs, but to praise Jesus and worship Him, thanking Him for his goodness to you. In the coming year, I expect clouds of glory to manifest in many places, including signs, wonders and miracles.

Today we will be praying for our citizens, city wide, state wide and over our nation as a whole. Understand that God has a two edged sword that is being used as we pray. The swords first edge is what God is speaking, and the second edge is what we as believers are repeating what God is saying. As you pray, notice that thoughts will come to you, so speak out the positive words that God is giving you. Declare that salvation is coming over our people and that their minds, thoughts, stubborn wills are being changed and brought into alignment of God's will.

Speak out that the brightness of His Glory shall shine over our Nation, our leaders and over our citizens. Prophesy as God directs you to declare that darkness, lies and error shall be pushed back, and that light, truth and righteousness shall prevail in our cities and in our land.