The Cloud Taken Up
“And it came to pass on the twentieth day of the second month, in the second year, that the cloud was taken up from off the tabernacle of the testimony. And the children of Israel took their journeys out of the wilderness of Sinai; and the cloud rested in the wilderness of Paran.”Numbers 10:11–12 (KJV)
In the wilderness, Israel moved when the cloud moved. “And it came to pass on the twentieth day of the second month, in the second year, that the cloud was taken up from off the tabernacle of the testimony. And the children of Israel took their journeys out of the wilderness of Sinai.”
After his resurrection, Jesus spoke with his disciples one last time, on the mount called Olivet. “And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.”
Two men in white told them what came next: “this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.” He left in a cloud, and he will return.
Paul tells us what that day will be like for believers: “we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” Until then, we follow where he leads.
Read it yourself
Read Acts 1:6–11. What did Jesus tell the disciples they would receive, and where would they be his witnesses?
How does knowing Jesus will return change the way you work this week?
Lord Jesus, you were taken up, and you will come again. Help me follow you faithfully until that day. Amen.