An Overshadowing Cloud - Luke 9:34

Luke the beloved physician wrote, “And it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings, he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray. And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering. And, behold, there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias: Who appeared in glory, and spoke of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem. But Peter and they that were with him were heavy with sleep: and when they were awake, they saw his glory, and the two men that stood with him. And it came to pass, as they departed from him, Peter said unto Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for you, and one for Moses, and one for Elias: not knowing what he said”, and in chapter nine and verse thirty-four of his book Luke shared how, “there came a cloud, and overshadowed them” where we read:

While he thus spoke, there came a cloud, and overshadowed them:

and they feared as they entered into the cloud.

The verse reads, “While he thus spoke, there came a cloud, and overshadowed them:” Luke began with the words, “while he thus spoke” or “during the time when Peter was still speaking”, “there came a cloud” which means “a cloud in the sky arose and appeared”, “and overshadowed them” or “and threw a shadow and enveloped Jesus, His disciples, Moses and Elijah”. Luke wrote during the time when Peter was speaking a “cloud” in the sky cast a shadow upon all who with Jesus.

The verse goes on to say, “and they feared as they entered into the cloud.” Luke continued with the words, “and they feared” which means “and Peter, James and John were afraid, seized with alarm and struck with amazement” “as they entered” or “when all with Jesus made entrance and arose” “into the cloud” which means “in the cloud from the sky”. Luke shared how “Peter, James and John” were “seized with alarm” as the “cloud” surrounded them.

When we meditate upon Luke's words in this verse, we learn of supernatural event that came upon Jesus and His disciples as they were on the mountain. During the time when Peter was speaking, a “cloud” came and surrounded them, and as they entered it, Peter, James and John were afraid. God had a purpose for this “cloud”, and we shall discover how He used it in our next verse, but for now let us realize God is able to use the “natural elements” to perform supernatural events. Those who are wise will understand this is another example of God reaching out to mankind so they may believe and trust in His Son Jesus as their personal “Savior and Lord”. Let all who read these words understand and believe.

Next time Luke shares how, “there came a voice out of the cloud”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".