- 12. Cloud and Fire of Glory
Isaiah 4:5 And the Lord will create upon every dwelling place of mount Zion, and upon her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night: for upon all the glory shall be a defense.
The pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night was a major factor in the deliverance of the people of Israel during the Exodus under Moses. The pillar assisted the crossing of the Red Sea and it led the people through the wilderness until they reached the Promised Land. The symbolism of the cloud and fire is the Presence of God in the midst of the people, both for protection and for guidance. The Presence of God is essential for the salvation of God’s people.
The cloud and the fire is the glory of God. The glory of God during this time is the Presence of God on the earth. The Presence saves; the Presence protects; the Presence guides; and the Presence is a defense for God’s people. This symbolism carries through into the New Testament as cloud and fire are involved in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. The Presence is the breaking into earthly existence and human history of God Himself in the person of Jesus Christ. The Presence continues in the Church of believers in the preaching of the Gospel, the Absolution of sins, the baptism of the Spirit by water, and especially in the body and blood of Christ as the “real presence” in the Lord’s Supper.
The presence of the Lord comes for our salvation, protection and guidance. We enter into the Presence when we repent and believe the Gospel. God promises His Presence in the dwelling place of Mount Zion and the assemblies. This is the Church of all believers in Christ. When sins are forgiven we are saved, protected and given wise guidance, This Presence will go with us all the way through our wilderness wanderings while we are alive on earth until we reach the Promised Land. Then we will be in His Presence all the time forever, for God Himself is the Temple. Then we will no longer need the mediation of Gospel and Sacraments. The Presence is a promise for believers during their lifetime; it is available 24/7 and we may enter any time we need to. OT symbolism merges into NT symbols and it all will become reality when the resurrection of the body transforms everything.