27 At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.

Luke 21:27 (NIV)

I am reminded of John’s words in Revelation regarding the certain return of Jesus:

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)

“Every eye will see him, the eye of his people, the eye of his enemies, every eye, yours and mine. He shall come, to the terror of those who have pierced him and have not repented and of all who have wounded and crucified him afresh by their apostasy from him, and to the astonishment of the pagan world. This account of Christ is ratified and confirmed by himself (Revelation 1:8). He is the beginning and the end; all things are from him and for him he is the Almighty; he is the same eternal and unchangeable one.” Matthew Henry

Paul echoes this same sentiment gloriously as he bursts forth in the following doxology of praise found in Romans:

33 Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! 34 "Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?" 35 "Who has ever given to God, that God should repay him?"
36 For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen. Romans 11:33-36 (NIV)

“Behold, the Heaven of heavens cannot contain thee, and thou sayest, ‘Come ye all unto me.’” Thomas a Kempis

Daniel speaks to this same future account in the Book which bears his name:

13 "In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. 14 He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed. Dan 7:13-14 (NIV)

Jesus gives us similar words in the gospel of Mark:

62 "I am," said Jesus. "And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven." Mark 14:62 (NIV)

Jesus will return accompanied with great, achieving power and bright glory. The word translated “glory” is from the Greek word “Doxa” meaning: “Glory, honor, wealth, splendor, prestige, respect, renown, fame, distinction, notoriety, recognition, approval. It refers to the favorable opinion which is held regarding something; praise, credit, acclaim, respectful acknowledgment, fawning adoration, admiration, attention; outward splendor, grandeur, pomp elegance, magnificence, beauty, excellence of appearance, impressiveness, brilliance, illustriousness, eminence.” Hebrew-Greek key Word Study Bible New Testament Lexical Aids.

Get the picture here? It will be the show stopper of all show stoppers to say the least!!!!! Jesus’ arrival in His first advent as a babe to a suffering servant stands in stark contrast to His second coming as the glorious Conquering King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

“We seem to have lost the vision of the majesty of God.” John Stott

“We are changed by beholding.” Hudson Taylor

What an awesome sight this will be! How exciting for those who believe and, as Peter states:

You ought to live holy and godly lives 12 as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. 2 Peter 3:11-12 (NIV)

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

“(Jesus’ return) is not a reason for star-gazing, but for working in the power of the Holy Ghost.” Charles Spurgeon

What I Glean

  • Jesus is going to return in achieving power and great glory with the clouds.
  • From Jesus and through Jesus and to Jesus are all things.
  • In anticipation of His sure return, I am to be about His work in the power of His Spirit.
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