It is true! The Lord is coming! As surely as He came once to earth in lowly grace, so will He come again. To Israel, His coming will be as the beauty of the morning dawn after centuries of dismal darkness—a darkness occasioned by their refusal of Him who was the Light of the world at the time of His first coming. Wonderful it will be to the little remnant of that nation, for then Jehovah of Hosts speaks these words, “Unto you that fear My name shall the Sun of Righteousness arise with healing in His wings” (Mal. 4:2), awakening faith, enlightening eyes, reviving hearts, and strengthening hands.

As well as bringing the light and warmth of the friendly sun, He will come as fresh showers of refreshing rain to a land that has long been parched with drought. Precious combination! He will bring no devastating downpour or searing, unalleviated heat. As gentle showers, He will water a thirsty earth, and, as the accompanying sunshine, He will give light and warmth that cause precious fruit to spring forth and fill the earth.

Before this takes place, however, the Church will have been caught up to meet her Lord in the air, for He will come for her as “the Bright and Morning Star” (Rev. 22:16) before the rising of the Sun, to bless her in the unspeakable joy of His own presence. This will be far greater blessing than Israel enjoys, yet we shall find deep delight in witnessing from heaven the greatness and purity of the blessing that is showered upon that recovered nation, as well as seeing other nations also blessed in submission to this most glorious Lord of lords and King of kings. Well might our hearts truly echo the words of this earnest prayer, “Amen; come, Lord Jesus” (Rev. 22:20).