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 turn because of Him. So shall it be! Amen. Revelation 1:7
Revelation is meant to be the book of the Bible with the most optimism, for it holds the most precious promises of God. We are protected and victorious. This book was written after the horrendous tortures of Nero that took the lives of both Paul and Peter. During the persecution of Domitian, John, a Jewish Christian (tradition indicates it is John the Apostle, although there is good argument it is not), was banished to the Island of Patmos where this revelation from God was given. The message of these visions was meant to warn against selfish, personal agenda in the churches, apathy toward suffering and sin, and remind us of the greatest triumph imaginable for those that persevere, love and worship the Lord God.
What we are reading is what John saw. Jesus will return and everyone will recognize Him, even those who denied His existence or divine connection. There will be no mistaking who has arrived and what His purpose is.
My heart sings knowing that on that day I will be judged in the purest of ways. My creator knows my heart, my joys, my grief, my defeats and my wins. I will not be allowed to make excuses, or inflate my intentions. It will be just me and My LORD, the omnipotent, omniscient, all powerful Savior, present for a transparent accounting. Then I will see Him face to face and my everlasting peace will be complete.
Have a Triumphant Thursday,
Gretchen