
And these are the clouds on which cartoonist mistakenly place heaven and its multitude of harp-playing residents. However, there is perhaps a reason this image is in their minds, for there is a strong association of God and clouds.
One of the first mention of clouds is in Genesis 9:13, when God promises never again to destroy the earth by flood, and says, “I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth.” God’s promise was against a backdrop of clouds.
Then when God leads his people out of Egypt, He “went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night” (Ex. 13:21). God’s provision came through a cloud.
Then when God met Moses on the mountain top, God met him there in a cloud: “When Moses went up on the mountain, the cloud covered it, and the glory of the Lord settled on Mount Sinai” (Ex. 24:15). God’s glory was in the cloud.
On the mount of transfiguration, God spoke from a cloud: “… a voice from the cloud said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!’” (Matt. 17:5) God’s presence was wrapped in a cloud.
And most importantly, Christ’s second return will be on a cloud: “At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory” (Luke 21:27). God’s power, majesty, and sovereignty will be demonstrated on a cloud.
So it is right for us to look to the skies and to ponder the clouds, for they will always turn our eyes, and our hearts, and our minds toward heaven and Jesus and his second coming. So keep your eyes heavenward, looking for the clouds, because Jesus said in Revelation 22:20: “I am coming soon.”