Look He Is Coming!

  The book of Revelation, though not often read by believers, has many profound truths that give believers insight and proper perspective of both the times that we live in and the times to come (Revelation 1:19).  Notwithstanding, the most exciting aspect of this book is its primary purpose: it reveals the identity of Jesus Christ to its readers, as expressed by the first phrase of the book, "The revelation of Jesus Christ,...."  In addition, Revelation 1:2 emphasizes that John's testimony was on "the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ."  The book opens up with a promise in Revelation 1:3: "Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near."  God has pronounced blessings upon those who read this book, hear and obey it.


The author of the book is apostle John (Revelation 1:4) and he writes the revelation from the island of Patmos (Revelation 1:9).  The book is estimated to have been written in A.D. 95 during the reign of emperor Domitian (A.D. 90-95).  This emperor's reign was characterized by intense persecution of the church and so the seven churches in Asia Minor to whom apostle John writes, were facing such persecution.

John dedicates Revelation 1:4-8 to greetings and doxology (praise of God).  Revelation 1:4-6 states, "John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne; And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen."

Whereas Revelation 1:1 had indicated that the revelation was given to show God's "servants" future events, Revelation 1:4 further highlights the audience of the book by specifically referring to the seven churches in the province of Asia.  This book is written to the Church, God's servants, thus believers must dedicate themselves to studying it.  John speaks "Grace and peace" to the Church, for especially in a time of intense persecution, these are much needed.  The order of John's words is not a mere coincidence: grace precedes peace.  It is God's grace that brings salvation and teaches us to walk a righteous life that yields peace, a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Titus 2:11-12).

The grace and peace is from the Trinity: God the Father (from him which is, and which was, and which is to come),  the Holy Spirit (from the seven spirits; sevenfold Spirit) and God the Son (from Jesus Christ).  Since days of old, many have struggled to understand and believe in the Triune being of God.   Unfortunately, the deception of the devil that Christ was merely a great prophet and the most admirable human being to have ever lived the earth continues to blind many.  Atheism has been seeping into our society and many have been swerved in faith.  God the Father is self existing and the origin of existence.  With regard to the phrase "seven spirits", Wayne Jackson comments, "The numeral “seven” (hepta) corresponds to the Hebrew term 'sheba', related to saba, meaning to be “full,” “abundant.”  The plural form “spirits” may suggest the diversity of the Spirit's powers, or, in the context of chapters 1-3, his ministry within the seven congregations that were selected for illustrative purposes."

Jesus is described as the "faithful witness".  He is the faithful witness of God.  Whoever has seen Jesus Christ has seen the Father.  Whoever knows Jesus Christ knows the Father.  John 14:9 states, "....Don't you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, 'Show us the Father?"  Jesus is also described as the "firstborn from the dead".  Jesus triumphed over death  and this forms the basis of the Christian faith in the resurrection of the dead.  Considering that The Acts of Apostles is estimated to have been written A.D. 63-70, the book of revelation is written about 25 years later.  A significant number of people who had witnessed Jesus' life and ministry were probably still alive.  Some of the disciples who had seen the incarnate Christ were still alive and what a joy it was, both to John and the disciples of Christ, to receive a revelation of the glorified Christ! Jesus is "the ruler of the kings of the earth".  His Kingdom is at hand and He reigns on the earth.  He is Lord of lords and King of kings!

We are reminded of Christ's love in verse 5b, and the freedom that we have obtained through His shed blood.  Reflecting on Christ's love leaves us speechless and in awe of the depth of God's love.  It is not that He cleansed us then loved us.  On the contrary, He loved us then cleansed us.  "He (Christ) has made us to be a Kingdom and priests to serve His God and Father"- Revelation 1:6.  Those who were filthy, bound, blind and condemned to death have now been made a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation and God's special possession (1st Peter 2:9).  Hallelujah!  We have not been made a Kingdom and priests to boss others around and to be served, but to lay down our lives for others and serve.

John's excitement can be clearly felt in his writings in Revelation 1:7 which states, "Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him,..."   The second coming of Christ will be visible to all.  As lightning that comes from the East is visible even in the West, so will be His coming (Matthew 24:27).    All the nations of the earth will see Him coming in the clouds and they will mourn (Matthew 24:30).  All creation will bow on its knees and confess that Jesus is Lord (Philippians 2:10).

Indeed Jesus Christ is Coming!  John calls to believers to "Look" and see!  This revelation ought to inform the way believers order their lives.  The late Myles Munroe often stated that "Eyes that look are common but eyes that see are rare."  Christ is coming back again, and God expects us to prepare for His coming.  With the passage of time, many have questioned how soon Christ will come back, and this has created for them an environment conducive for complacency, spiritual slumber and worldliness.  Believers must not loose sight of eternity; we must set our eyes on the things eternal and not on temporal things (Colossians 3:2).  The early church lived with the reality of Christ's return, are we?  Or is His return a nice old fairy tale that we accommodate into our faith with little or no conviction?

Paul confessed in Philippians 1:21 that, "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain."  Paul considered dyeing a gain since he would spend eternity with the God he loved.  In fact, he seemed to be in a dilemma whether to remain in the body or be present with God!  This reveals that the reality and glory of heaven was very clear to Paul, such that he couldn't compare it with any worldly experiences, achievements and acquisitions.  The tragedy facing many believers today is that the glory of heaven is not real and the world is sweeter and fulfilling than any other thing that they desire.  Many of us (believers) are not ready to meet the coming Christ in the clouds.  

Revelation 1:1 states, "...to show his servants what must soon take place."  The word "soon" may seem misplaced considering its been about 2000 years and we still await Christ's coming.  The Greek word for "soon" is "tachei" which means speed.  The things revealed in His Word will be fulfilled with speed.  2nd Peter 2:9 states, "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."  God has been patient (long-suffering), waiting for me, my family, my community, my city, my nation and the nations of the earth to repent and be reconciled to Him.  His love has kept Christ's return on hold for His intent is to return for a radiant bride (the Church), without spot, wrinkle or blemish (Ephesians 5:27).

The radiant church is one that continually looks to God and in doing so are transformed to His image.  It is a church whose trust is not in their abilities, giftings and excellent programs.  On the contrary, it is a church that has recklessly abandoned itself to God in surrender to His will and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.  Psalms 34:5 states, "Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame."  Such a church is adorned with garments that are spotless, lacking any wrinkles and blemish. Such a church is consecrated (set apart) for God.  Can your garments be described as spotless, without wrinkle and blemish?  Or are your garments soiled with the lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh and pride of life?  You and I need to more than ever before work out our salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12) for the day (the Day of the Lord) is nearer than when we first believed (Romans 13:11).

Christ's return will not only happen with speed, but also suddenly.    No one knows the day nor the hour, not even Jesus Christ (Matthew 24:36).  People will be eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, going about their daily activities, and then suddenly, Jesus Christ will come for His bride.  Despite the signs of the end of age, man will be very occupied with hustles and bustles of life thus making Christ's coming unexpected (Matthew 24:42).  Revelation 16:15 states, "Look, I come like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake and remains clothed, so as not to go naked and be shamefully exposed."  God desires that we maintain a consistent walk of righteousness and not to play games with Him, for we can never out wit Him (read Matthew 24:48-51).  His coming will not be a silent come back but a jubilant one, with sounds of trumpets!  1st Thessalonians 4:16 states, "For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, ...."

Moses made a prayer in Psalms 90:12, "Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom."  NIV Commentary states that our time on earth is limited and we should live not for the moment, but with our eternal home in mind.  I therefore beg to ask, "How have you been spending your days?"  Never before in history have people been so busy.  Research shows that being busy is the primary barrier preventing people from better managing their stress, and a lack of motivation, energy and time (Stress in America Findings, 2010).  So what are we busy doing?  In our busy schedules, are we making the most of every opportunity?  Are we preoccupied with the urgent or with the important.  Often, the urgent (building a career and going up its ladder; creating wealth; etc) preoccupies us such that we have little time, if any, for the important (those things that will last for eternity).  Ephesians 5:15-16 states, "Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil."  What is the calling of God upon your life and what step can you take today towards that purpose?

Matthew 6:19-20 states, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal."  Where have you been laying your treasures, on earth or in heaven?  After our days are gone, what will really matter and will endure is what we did in line with God's purpose for our lives.  Remember too that our works will be put to test.  1st Corinthians 3:12-14 states, "If anyone builds on this [Jesus Christ] foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward."

The good news is that as Christ beckons the Church to look and see how soon His coming is, He does so not in condemnation but with "Grace and peace".   His grace is upon us, and only by that grace can we prepare for His second coming.  Philippians 2:13 states, "For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good pleasure."  I pray that God will work in you and I, both to will and to act, enabling us (His bride) to await His second coming in soberness, uprightness and godliness, for behold He Cometh!  The dead in Christ will rise first, followed by those that will still be alive, and together will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and will be with Him forever (1st Thessalonians 4:16-17).