Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him. Even so. Amen.
Revelation 1:7 ESV
In this verse John reassures his readers of the return of Christ. (see Acts 1:9-11) John is reaffirming the event that Luke recorded in Acts chapter one. Jesus is coming again just as promised. He is coming back to claim His own. In this part of the introduction of the revelation John is setting the stage for encouragement to those that will endure persecution.
John attests to the power of Jesus return. Jesus return will be an incredible event, everyone alive on that day will see Him. Everyone, of the world that has not submitted to His authority will wail in response to His victorious return because they will know all is lost.
John ends the verse with Even so. Amen. Amen means; so be it. In other words may it happen soon. In the first century the church was anticipating the return of Christ as something that was imminent. They expected His return at any time and loved their lives accordingly. John in this verse is reminding them of that as they face persecution.
The Apostle Paul also encouraged believers in this way. (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18) The resurrection and return of Christ have been encouraging the faithful since Jesus ascended into Heaven.
So today, let’s be encouraged by this verse knowing that whatever we are going through we know it is only temporary.
© 2013 Leo J. Woodman
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