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 John has affirmed the message is from the eternal God. “Alpha” and “Omega” begin and end the Greek alphabet. God is now. He was in the past. He is in the future. God completes all. 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 affirmed God’s continuing presence, power and promise to mankind. God’s full portion to save the world through Jesus began when God personally made a promise to Abraham: 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 (Genesis 32:28). 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.
   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, from Jesus’ saving sacrifice and in the Spirit’s power, God’s Word is real to the world.
   Yet, many did not believe then, and many do not believe now. The Lord speaks to awaken even those who pierced him; and one day they 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. 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 their denial. Guilt will pierce unbelieving hearts to mourn their eternal punishment. 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 in the New Heaven and earth.