July 15 With the Clouds

Revelation 1:7-8 Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and all the peoples of the earth will mourn because of him. So shall it be! Amen. 8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.”
 
FOR the second time in the first eight verses of Revelation, John has affirmed his message is from the eternal God. “Alpha” and “Omega” are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. God is now. He was in the past. He is to come in the future. All things are complete in God. Jeremiah 51:19 He who is the Portion of Jacob is not like these, for he is the Maker of all things, including the tribe of his inheritance – the Lord Almighty is his name.
    The prophet Jeremiah and the apostle John spoke of God’s continuing presence, power and promise to his to mankind. God’s full portion to save the world through Jesus began when God personally came to Abraham to promise in Genesis 12:2 “I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”
    Jacob, Abraham’s grandson, became Israel. From Israel came God’s first-born people. The Lord God formed them in his power and promise to bring forth a personal Savior for all the world. Now, as John wrote these words, God’s power,  promise and personal presence through Jesus Christ had gone into the world to include the Gentiles. Out of Abraham, through Israel, to Jesus’ saving sacrifice and the Spirit’s power, God’s Word has become real to the world.
    But note. Many did not believe then, and many do not believe now. The Lord speaks to awaken even those who pierced him; and all the peoples of the earth will mourn because of him.  These are the unbelievers – Jews and Gentiles – of the world who pierce the Lord with unbelief and disobedience. They negate the Lord’s power and fulfilled promises  on earth through Jesus’ personal sacrifice. When they see him coming on the clouds, they will not see a benevolent King, compassionately coming to draw all people on earth to him. Instead, they will mourn in fear that a Warrior King is coming to judge those who oppose him. In ancient times, clouds of dust in the distance often meant many warriors in chariots and on horses were coming to attack a city.  Our disobedience, too, pierces Guilt pierces unbelieving hearts to mourn their eternal punishment. Jesus’ heart with righteous judgment. Too late, they will know Jesus is, was and will be.
    Yes, so shall it be. Amen. This is God’s promise of his power when he comes to be personally present with his people again.
 
Prayer: Urge me, Lord Jesus, to be a warrior for your Word. I pray I am eager to witness to your truth: You are eternal Savior, who has given his life that I will live with you. Amen.