Coming With the Clouds

"Look, he is coming with the clouds," and "every eye will see him, even those who pierced him"; and all peoples on earth "will mourn because of him." So shall it be! Amen. Revelation 1:7

When Jesus returns, it will be with clouds. Both Old and New Testaments testify to this. Are we to believe this is just a weather phenomenon? It is true that the earthly presence of God is so pictured, but what about his coming in the clouds?

I remember my first exposure to the idea of another possible explanation. It begins in Daniel,chapter seven, verses ten and thirteen.

A river of fire was flowing, coming out from before him. Thousands upon thousands attended him; ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him. Daniel 7:10

This wonderful scene continues.

"In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. Daniel 7:13

Have you ever heard a sermon on this? I know I have not. In Corporate Churches the book of Daniel, if mentioned at all, is the Story of Daniel in the lions den, used in the childrens' department. This is consistent with presenting one of the greatest of prophetic books as stories in the past tense.

But how should we view the scene pictured above? The multitudes could be a cloud of angels. Though why the Lord is led into the presence of God at this time is not clear. We may conclude that Jesus is escorted to the Father, accompanied by his church, the Bride's members of all ages.

Daniel is ignored and despised in many of today's churches. I know from personal experience. But for those of us who really care, Daniel chapter 7 is a picture of future glory.