Yes — the lightning out of the east is a weather sign that the tribulation storm is over, and it precedes the Son of Man's appearing.
Les Feldick explains that because weather in Israel moves from west to east, seeing lightning in the eastern sky means the storm is not coming — it has already passed. Jesus uses this picture to show that once the tribulation's horrors are past, the signs in the sun, moon, and stars give way to His Second Coming.
Matthew 24:27 — This is the verse where Jesus uses the lightning analogy, showing the coming of the Son of Man as visible from east to west.
In Matthew 24, in response to the disciples’ question about the sign of His coming and the end of the age (Matthew 24:3), Jesus says: "For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be" (Matthew 24:27). Immediately after the tribulation, the Lord describes cosmic upheaval: "Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken" (Matthew 24:29). Then creation sees Him: "And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory" (Matthew 24:30).
Les Feldick explains that Jesus is using a weather picture familiar to Israel. Just as Midwest storms move from west to east, so the weather in Israel moves the same direction. Therefore, when lightning is seen in the east, the storm is not approaching; it is going and has already passed (Clip 1). Les applies this to the tribulation: the 'storm' of tribulation will be finished when the sign of the lightning in the east is recognized. He says the horrors of the tribulation are in the past, and immediately after, the sun is darkened, the moon gives no light, and stars fall (Clip 4). Then the Son of Man appears in the clouds with power and glory (Clips 2, 3). Les stresses that Matthew 24 is totally tribulation and is instruction for Israel concerning the Second Coming — not the Rapture and not the Church (Clips 3, 6, 7).
Les says in Israel, as in the Midwest, weather moves from west to east. So if you see lightning in the east, you know the storm isn't coming; it's going, it has passed. Jesus was using that common weather pattern to help His disciples understand that the tribulation storm will be over when they see the Son of Man coming.
Matthew 24:29 says that immediately after the tribulation, the sun will be darkened, the moon will not give her light, the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Les describes these as the cataclysmic signs that come after the horrors of the tribulation are in the past, leading to the appearing of the Son of Man.
Les emphasizes that when the disciples asked about the sign of His coming and the end of the age, Jesus' whole answer is not associated with the Church one iota; it is instruction for the nation of Israel concerning the Second Coming. He also distinguishes the Second Coming from the Rapture, saying they are two totally separate events.
Where Will Jews Flee During the Tribulation? Revelation 12
far they could walk. He said, pray they don't be in the winter, and as Dr. Bellamy pointed out, that's also the time when the Jordan River is at flood, if it's in the springtime and late winter. That's when they get all their rain and their moisture. And then of course just simply the misery of trying to negotiate those miles under cold, wet, and windy conditions. But there's the parallel.
The Weather Analogy of Storm Movement
Les explains that in Israel, as in the Midwest, weather moves from west to east; seeing lightning in the east means the storm is not coming but going, so the tribulation storm is past.
Seeing the Son of Man at the End of Tribulation
Les points out that those still living at the end of the tribulation will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory, and that Jesus is addressing Israel.
Second Coming Distinguished From Rapture
Les says when Jesus speaks of end-time catastrophe, He refers to His Second Coming, not the Rapture, and He will stand on the Mount of Olives.
Signs Immediately After the Tribulation
Les links the lightning analogy to verses 28–29, showing that after the horrors of the tribulation are in the past, the sun, moon, and stars are shaken.
The Messiah Comes From Heaven
Les notes believers should not follow reports of the Messiah in the desert or secret chambers, because He will come from heaven when the tribulation has ended.
Matthew 24 Totally Deals With Tribulation
Les designates Matthew 24 as a chapter totally dealing with the tribulation and the sign of Christ's coming and the end of the age.
Instruction for Israel, Not the Church
Les clarifies that Matthew 24 is not associated with the Church at all but is instruction for the nation of Israel concerning the Second Coming.
Matthew 24:27: For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
This is the exact verse in which Jesus compares His coming to lightning flashing from east to west.
Matthew 24:28: For wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together.
This verse follows the lightning analogy and depicts the aftermath of tribulation dead.
Matthew 24:29: Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken.
This verse describes the cosmic upheaval that takes place immediately after the tribulation has ended.
Matthew 24:30: And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
This verse directly follows the tribulation signs and shows the Son of Man coming in glory.
Les Feldick explains that since weather in Israel moves from west to east, seeing lightning in the east proves the storm has already passed. Jesus uses that as a picture that the tribulation storm will be over when the Son of Man appears.
No. Les says Jesus is speaking about the Second Coming, not the Rapture. Matthew 24 is instruction for the nation of Israel concerning the Second Coming, and it is not associated with the Church.
After the tribulation, the sun is darkened, the moon withholds its light, stars fall, and the powers of heaven are shaken. Then the Son of Man appears in the clouds with power and great glory.
Watch the Teaching: Where Will Jews Flee During the Tribulation? Revelation 12