Chapter Thirty-one

The week of August 26


The End Time

There are many differences and much discussion about Jesus' return for His own people. The when and the how are debatable, but the what: that Jesus is coming again to the earth for His people, is certain. When He comes, we go. Various prophesies in the Old Testament and descriptions in the New Testament (like 1 & 2 Thessalonians and the Gospels) tell of this event. In some places it seems like life will be just normal before this happens (people will be marrying and giving others to marry). At other times it seems catastrophic (earthquakes, wars, in-fighting, & immorality).

The Bible ends with the Book of Revelation written by the Apostle John. He wrote to seven churches in the province of Asia (modern Turkey) from his exile on the Isle of Patmos. Much of this is symbolic, but symbolism does have a correlation with the reality of what will happen.

PP 459-62 John wrote on behalf of the One on the throne, Jesus the faithful witness, and the Spirit: Look, He is coming on the clouds. Every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him; and all peoples on earth will mourn because of Him. Spectacular sights and descriptions followed: The Son of Man among seven lampstands (churches), eyes like blazing fire and a voice like rushing waters. These seven churches each received a dictated letter from Jesus through John. Their messages apply to us today.

All the churches had something that was positive: deeds, hard work, perseverance, intolerance of wickedness, testing truth-tellers, not growing weary. They each had at least one thing that was wrong with them: forsaken their first love, did not repent, being dead, neither hot nor cold. These positive and negative qualities also represent modern day strengths and weaknesses of churches. Which of these are most familiar to you?

PP 462-6 John then received the vision of the end of the world as we know it. A vision of the throne of God was multi-sensory and almost too rich for John’s eyes. All of creation, from jewels and colors to thunder and lightning, from angels to elders to four living creatures like nothing we have ever seen, were all worshiping God: Glory, honor and thanks to Him Who sits on the throne and Who lives forever. Why is God awe-inspiring and not awe-ful (or fearful)?

Various seals were broken unraveling the scrolls. The Lamb Who was slain was standing at the center of the throne and received praise and worship from all who were alive, millions of people and angels. A wedding and banquet were about to happen, with Jesus as the groom and those who believe in Him, the church as His bride. Then Jesus appeared on a white horse, as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. You just have to be there.

PP 266-70 Amidst the revelation of the majesty of Jesus, the powers of the earth and the unseen powers of the heavens connive to take control. This Armageddon takes place at Meddigo in Northern Israel. Sometime before, during, or after the worst of this conflict, Jesus will descend from the clouds to meet believers in the air, first those who have died in the Lord and then those who are still alive. We who believe in the Lord Jesus will be with Him from that point thru forever. Satan will be bound, some say for a thousand years, some say for forever. Those who practiced evil will be consigned to a permanently desolate place.

Death, Hades, mourning, crying and pain will be banished. All things will be brand new. A city, consisting of indescribable beauty, then descended to house the people (in my Father's house are many mansions). God's people live in His presence in the City. Full sustainability is present, which crops and light and life. Why is heaven better than vacation or retirement?

Then Jesus, the Root and Offspring of David, the bright Morning Star, the Alpha and Omega, the First and Last, the Beginning and End, offers His free gift of the Water of Life, His very self.

These things will soon take place; Jesus is coming very soon. All we can do is to say with God's people: Amen. Come Lord Jesus.


If you have followed The Story and these weekly comments, you may want to share your insights with us. How has your understanding of God and His Story changed over these 32 weeks? Please send your comments to Randy Russell at RNRussell@att.net