“Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him. Even so. Amen.” – Revelation 1:7
There are many parts of Revelation which Christians might prefer were just a bit easier to understand. Be that as it may, certain truths ring out loud and clear. These are intended to give followers of Jesus great comfort, particularly during times of persecution and suffering. This verse contains one such truth – Jesus will return to earth physically, visibly, and victoriously. He will come from the sky with the clouds as the prophet Daniel promised long, long ago.
Just as God appeared in cloud throughout ancient times, Jesus Christ will return to earth in the clouds that emphasize He is God the Son come in the flesh. His return will be unmistakably visible to everyone on earth – both those who believe in Him and those who don’t. Those who love Jesus will know He has come to rule over creation and so will those who hate Jesus and everything He represents.
When Jesus returns, judgment will come for all of mankind. The book of life and the book of our deeds in life will be opened and read. Those whose names are written in the book of life because we’ve entrusted ourselves to Jesus as Lord will be glorified and rewarded. Everyone else will wail as their desire for God to leave them alone becomes their unending reality in the lake of fire. No matter what you must endure between now and then, whether your life is filled with joy or pain, happiness or persecution, this IS the future. If Jesus is your Lord, this is something to take comfort in, look forward to, and rejoice when it happens. Think about the return of Jesus and get excited!
If Jesus isn’t your Lord then this is something to fear. But it’s still going to happen. Strongly consider re-evaluating your life and beliefs before this day comes and #FollowJesus!