​He comes! Scripture, reflection and praise.

Revelation 1:4-8

"John, To the seven churches in the province of Asia: Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits before his throne, and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father—to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen. “Look, he is coming with the clouds,” and “every eye will see him, even those who pierced him”; and all peoples on earth “will mourn because of him.” So shall it be! Amen. “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.” "


Reflection. When Jesus returns it will not be quietly and hidden. Everyone will see Jesus. This is the Lord Jesus who loves us and sets us free from our sins. We are made into a kingdom, and a priestly one at that, to serve the Lord Almighty.  

Alpha and Omega. 
Who is, who was and who is to come.
Jesus the eternal Lord.

And in the seeing of his return 'all the peoples of the world will mourn....' That's a surprise isn't it? Other translations have even stronger things to say. They use the word 'wail' rather than 'mourn.'
Do we include ourselves in the 'all will mourn?'

Now that's a cheery thought to ponder. Yet, the Old Testament is full of counselling against looking to 'The Day of the Lord' as a day of comfort. We believers look to Jesus returning with hope. Of course we do and of course we should. Why? Because we have been shown grace and we have been given the gift of peace. And our salvation in Christ is completely secure. 
"So it is to be. Amen."

Praise. Lord Jesus, the Alpha and the Omega, you are the Lord God, who was, who is, and who is to come. We worship and praise you. Amen.