As John begins to wrap up the prologue to the book of Revelation, he transitions to point us to the very theme of the entire book: the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ! This is not His coming for His own, as promised in John 14:1–3, and outlined in 1 Corinthians 15:50–58 and 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18. This is His glorious appearing when He comes with His own to rule and reign. This is prophesied in Daniel 7:13–14 and many other places throughout the Word of God.

John wants to draw our attention to this wonderful truth: “He is coming!” He begins with the word, “Behold,” which is a call to attention, to look intensely upon. It is the same word he uses several time in his Gospel to cause us to gaze on and contemplate the Lord Jesus Christ (Jn. 1:29, 36; 19:4, 5, 14). We understand it is true that He is coming for us, but His coming in glory is also a certain reality that will take place!

When the Lord returns to the earth, He will come with clouds. Clouds in Scripture often symbolize the presence and glory of God (Ex. 13:21–22; 16:10; Num. 10:34). We see this connection with the clouds in both the tabernacle and the temple (Ex. 40:34–38; 1 Kings 8:10–12).

It is interesting to note at the Lord’s ascension that, “when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight” (Acts 1:9). At His second coming the clouds will be used once again, but this time to reveal Him. The once rejected Christ will be revealed at that time to an unbelieving world as the glorified Christ; even those who had pierced Him will see Him for who He is!

What a day that will be for our blessed Savior, when He is revealed in His glory!