Title: Thank Heavens It's Cloudy

Topic: Word

Summary: An exploration of why Scripture would be so shrouded in strange statements and apparent contradictions. When we see how overwhelming it is to see God (with examples from Isaiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, John on the isle of Patmos, etc.) we realize we are blessed by the clouds of Scripture that protect us from the full force of the glory.

Use the reference links below to follow along in the Bible as you watch.

References:
Exodus 3:1-6; 19:21-24; 20:18-19; 28:33-35; 30:19; 34:29-end
Leviticus 10:1-2, 6-9; 16:1-2, 12-13
Numbers 4:19-20; 16:19-21, 31-35; 17:10-13; 18:3
1 Samuel 6:19-20
Exodus 40:33
1 Kings 8:9-11
Revelation 15:8
Isaiah 4:3-6; 6:1-8, 13
Ezekiel 1:26-28; 2:1; 3:12-14
Daniel 8:15-19; 10:1
Luke 9:28-36
Revelation 1:10-12, 17

In most cases, the meaning of "before" is pretty straightforward, both as a way of assessing relative time, and in its use meaning "in someone's presence." It takes on a deeper significance, though, when used in connection with the Lord. To be "before" the Lord means not just in His presence, but also receiving the desire for good and the understanding of truth from Him, and living according to them. And when used as an assessment of time in connection with the Lord, "before" means "from eternity," and refers to a spiritual state rather than time as we experience it.

(Odkazy: Apocalypse Revealed 366, 617; Arcana Coelestia 6983, 8439, 9888)