Evangelical Preacher Job 37:21 And now men see not the bright light which is in the clouds: but the wind passes, and cleans them. Here appears to be a figurative allusion to the occurrences which are under the control of Divine providence, under the similitude of the clouds, and the bright design which is sometimes beyond the reach of the human mind to understand. I. THESE OCCURRENCES RESEMBLE THE CLOUDS SOMETIMES. 1. In their sudden appearance. 2. In their various magnitude. 3. In their happy effects. Every cloud brings its proportion of gloom, yet each cloud is a vehicle of blessing. II. THERE IS SOMETHING CHEERING IN ALL THE DISPENSATIONS OF PROVIDENCE. 1. The character of God is a bright light. Giving splendor and beauty to the events of Providence, as the rising sun fringes with golden brightness the darkest cloud it meets in its course. 2. The promises are a bright light in the clouds. This is the light of truth, bright with the faithfulness of the Eternal. There is no exigency can arise, but there is an appropriate promise. Some of them are very comprehensive. It is well to have the memory stored with these promises. 3. The past conduct of the Lord is a bright light in the clouds. The review of the past should encourage confidence in reference to the present and the future. The moral influence of reflection on past mercies is to awaken hope even when God appears to clothe Himself with clouds and thick darkness. III. CAUSES WHICH PREVENT US FROM SEEING THE BRIGHT LIGHT IN THE CLOUDS. 1. Constitutional or physical dejection will do this. The health or sickness of the body has a much greater influence over our spiritual enjoyments than some Christians imagine. Body and soul are too closely allied not to sympathise most deeply with each other. 2. There are, however, other causes, both intellectual and moral, such as defective views of Divine truth. Some have such imperfect and erroneous views of God's Word that they seem to have no consolation in any time of trouble. 2. Want of faith in the wisdom and goodness of God. Faith is just that to the soul which sight is to the body. The sun shines though the blind man sees it not: so Christ, "The Light," shines, but only the believing mind sees Him. Others see not this bright light. (Evangelical Preacher.) Parallel Verses KJV: And now men see not the bright light which is in the clouds: but the wind passeth, and cleanseth them.WEB: Now men don't see the light which is bright in the skies, but the wind passes, and clears them. |
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