“And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves, people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”
Comment: Christians look forward to this second return of Jesus even when they are celebrating His first coming at Christmastime. And now when Jesus is about to be crucified and ascend into Heaven after His resurrection, talk about His coming back, for a second time, is high-lighted. Jesus doesn’t slink back to Heaven to lick His wounds after being killed and saved from it all by the Power of His Father. No way! Easter is a victory of God’s grace and now is a time of choice for us; a time of preparation of everything for His impending return. Now is a time of His proffered Grace but then shall be a time of Judgement – or so we understand by reading this passage in the context of the whole of the Bible. I’ve gone a bit beyond just commenting on the passage but to come back – everyone present at the time will not be able to escape this majestic coming in the clouds of Him who earlier ascended in the clouds to His Father’s side. (As seen in the book of Acts chapter one.)
Prayer: As with St John of old we say ‘Even so, come Lord Jesus.’
As I read it! 