The sky as we know it in
our human experience, (firmament, expanse, dome, open space), is considered by
most as a tangible thing, yet by experience it is hardly that. It cannot be
touched, and yet we know and experience its presence.
Yet, considering what it does for the human race, there are a lot
of beautiful lessons to be considered.
Some have indicated that
it has been used to speak of the gold that has been hammered into the features
of an idol. If considered that way, it takes on the meaning of the atmosphere
that is especially designed to protect, nourish, and demonstrate the handiwork
of God.
This became precious to me
when I considered the larger sense of God’s work. The children of Israel experienced a special protection in Goshen , while in Egypt ;
The children of Israel
experienced the cloud and the pillar of fire in the desert; After the flood
upon the earth, God placed a rainbow there to assure God’s people that the
earth would never experience this particular kind of threat any more. (Genesis
9:13)
From the sky, or from such
a place as the Niagara Falls
observation tower, it can be observed that the rainbow is a perfect circle. The
rainbow is also proof of a prism effect on the sun’s harsh rays. I find it fascinating that it can picture a covenantal relationship of a man and wife in a wedding ring, if they desire to do so.
We see a cloud re-appear
in the Holy Place
in the Temple ,
speaking the same truth. It was alluded to in Nehemiah
9:19 , when the walls of Jerusalem were being rebuilt. It was
re-experienced on the Mount of Transfiguration when Jesus appeared Peter, James
and John. Matthew 17:5 .
All of these can
illustrate the marvelous truth that God cares about who and what He considers
to be His property.
There is a remarkable
reminder of this in outdoor weddings, when an arch is placed over the couple,
referring to the “cloud” of a covenantal relationship.
Do you and I really
understand firmament, canopy, expanse, cloud of God’s presence in our lives? Do
we experience it in the areas that we consider important in our lives? Hosea 6:3 seems to suggest that we can know
these answers as we follow closely to Him, and get to know Him better. Luke 11:52 implies that the religious
leaders, who had not been living close to God, had robbed the “key” to this
knowledge from the people.
Jesus also shows how a
study of the clouds can be used to predict weather patterns. If the protection
or provision is there – there is safety. Jesus then said, “How is it that you
do not discern this time?” (Luke 12:56)
1 “EXPANSE – FIRMAMENT”: Canopy - Original meaning. Expanse. The
original word is sometimes used for the gold or silver covering on an idol. See
Psalm 19:1
2 “EXPANSE – FIRMAMENT”: Ibid 3 “CALLED”: God gave this “expanse”, “firmament” or “canopy” - a name, and that was “sky” “Heaven”.