David Grabbe, reminding us that this pivotal holy day looks back to the appearance of God at Mount Sinai and the reappearing of Christ, points out that both events were accompanied by clouds. Clouds appeared with the coming of the rainbow, a sign of His covenant that He will not destroy all flesh. In Revelation 10:1, Jesus Christ appears with both a cloud and rainbow, reminding us that he has not forgotten His covenant and His intention of protecting people from His dazzling appearance. Those changed into immortality at His appearing will be able to see Christ in full glory.

Bookends of the Bible Elements of God’s mercy Clouds I John 3:2 Genesis 9:12-13 I Thessalonians 4 I Timothy 6:16 Impeding light Isaiah 2:19 Job 42:5 Revelation 1:7; 10:1 Olivet Prophecy Luke 21:27 Mark 13:26; 14:52 Matthew 26:64