Luke 17:37

In our verses for today Jesus states that just as certain as the vultures will gather over the dead carcass, His return will be as a bolt of lightning in the sky – it is from heaven, it is visible and conspicuous, it is sudden and surprising, and it is spread far and wide. We find this splendorous, visible event addressed also in Matthew:

26 "So if anyone tells you, 'There he is, out in the desert,' do not go out; or, 'Here he is, in the inner rooms,' do not believe it. 27 For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. 28 Wherever there is a carcass, there the vultures will gather. 29 "Immediately after the distress of those days "'the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.' Matt 24:26-29 (NIV)

Make no bones about it, when Jesus returns every eye will behold Him. We find in Acts this report from the mouth of angels to Jesus’ first disciples:

9 After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. 10 They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. 11 "Men of Galilee," they said, "why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven." Acts 1:9-11 (NIV)

“We mustn’t doubt in the darkness what God has shown us in the light.” Robert J. Morgan

We find this also addressed in Revelation through the pen of the Apostle John:

7 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. Rev 1:7 (NIV)

Christ second coming will be visible to the entire world including unbelievers in contrast to His first coming as a Babe in Bethlehem. The Prophet Zechariah also gives us this heads up:

4 On that day his feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, east of Jerusalem, and the Mount of Olives will be split in two from east to west, forming a great valley, with half of the mountain moving north and half moving south. Zech 14:4 (NIV)

9 The LORD will be king over the whole earth. On that day there will be one LORD, and his name the only name. Zech 14:9 (NIV)

Our Messiah will not only reign as King over Israel but also over the entire earth – Praise Jesus! His Name will be the only Name recognized and worshipped by people. The first disciples of our Lord comforted each other with these thoughts. How much more should we? Our actions as well as our comfort should be influenced by these truths. Confident of His imminent return, Peter enlightens us as to how this should affect our behavior:

7 The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. 8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. 1 Peter 4:7-10 (NIV)

14 So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him. 15 Bear in mind that our Lord's patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him. 2 Peter 3:14-15 (NIV)

“The fact of Jesus’ coming is the final and unanswerable proof that God cares.” William Barclay

“The future belongs to those who belong to God. This is hope.” W.T. Purkiser

17 Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. 18 God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us may be greatly encouraged. 19 We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. Heb 6:17-19 (NIV)