Consider the clouds # 4 The Clouds as God's Chariots

The Clouds as God’s Chariots

Chariots symbolise warfare They could be compared with the tank of today. Psalm 104:3 talks of God having the clouds as His chariot. As I read that a number of pictures flash into my mind. One is naturally that of an attacking General leading his forces into the fray. More of that a little later. The other picture is that of the victor being given a victory parade as he returns to his capital.

That second one is how I imagine Jesus ascending to Heaven.  Acts 1:9: ‘He (Jesus) was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.’ The Lord was returning home. He was the conqueror over death, sin, Satan and the World system all of which had tried to destroy Him.  How fitting it was to be taken home with the clouds as His chariot.

Jesus said in Matthew 24:30: ‘At that time (Christ’s return) the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory.’

The crucified One who is the risen conqueror has promised to return and claim His kingdom. Once again we are given insight into the affinity with the clouds. What is being expressed by the imagery with the clouds? It is of course a picture of warfare. Revelation 19 amplifies that scenario. I think it talks about His supernatural power. A person would normally fall through any mass of clouds. Jesus uses them to display His intentions. He who walked on water will stand on the clouds.

As we reflect upon the clouds surely a question must arise in the mind. If I was alive at that moment would I rejoice? Would I proclaim ‘Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord?’ Or would I cry to the mountains ‘Fall on me and hide me from the wrath of the Lamb of God.’  By faith in the risen Lord as your Saviour you can rejoice. Otherwise the Apostle John has the last word Revelation 1:6-7: To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father – to him be glory and power for ever and ever. Amen. Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and all the people of the earth will mourn because of him. So shall it be. Amen

Ray (the cloud watcher) Hawkins