Clouds and Darkness Are Round About Him
Even in the midst of clouds and darkness, God's mercy and truth are always present and will guide us through trials and temptations.
A.B. Simpson emphasizes that the presence of trials and clouds in our lives is a sign of following God's guidance, as seen in the experiences of the disciples who entered the cloud to witness the glory of the transfiguration. He illustrates how the cloud served as both a shelter for the Israelites from the harsh sun and a symbol of God's mercy and truth amidst darkness. The sermon reassures believers that even in difficult times, God's presence is a protective canopy, shielding them from the heat of sorrow and temptation. Ultimately, the clouds signify not only trials but also the promise of God's glorious appearing.
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The presence of clouds upon your sky and trials in your path are the very best evidence that you are following the pillar of cloud and walking in the presence of God. The disciples had to enter the cloud before they could behold the glory of the transfiguration. A little later that same cloud became the chariot to receive the ascending Lord, and it is still waiting as the chariot that will bring His glorious appearing. Still it is true that while clouds and darkness are round about him, mercy and truth are ever in their midst and shall go before thy face (Psalm 89:14).
Perhaps the most beautiful and gracious use of the cloud was to shelter Israel from the fiery sun.
Like a great umbrella, that majestic pillar spread its canopy above the camp and became a shielding shadow from the burning heat in the treeless desert. One who has never felt an oriental sun cannot fully appreciate how much this means-a shadow from the heat. So the Holy Spirit comes between us and the fiery, scorching rays of sorrow and temptation.
Sermon Outline
- The Presence of Clouds and Trials
- The Cloud as a Chariot
- Mercy and Truth in the Midst
- The Cloud's Sheltering Shadow
- The Desert Experience
- The Holy Spirit's Protection
Key Quotes
“While clouds and darkness are round about him, mercy and truth are ever in their midst and shall go before thy face (Psalm 89:14).” — A.B. Simpson
“The Holy Spirit comes between us and the fiery, scorching rays of sorrow and temptation.” — A.B. Simpson
“It is still waiting as the chariot that will bring His glorious appearing.” — A.B. Simpson
Application Points
- We can trust that God's mercy and truth are always present, even in difficult circumstances.
- The Holy Spirit is our shield and protector from the fiery trials of life.
- We can find comfort and shelter in the presence of God, just like Israel did in the desert.