JESUS WILL REIGN AS KING OF KINGS

A major portion of Revelation is about tribulations. The seven seals and trumpets (Revelation 6:1-17, and 8:1-5) declare the horrors that are to come, while the seven bowls (Revelation 16:1-21), declares the painful hardships, earthquakes, and unprecedented destruction — both of which precede the end of times. For some it will be glorious, but it will not be pleasing for others.

Jesus was described in Revelation 1:5-8 as Ruler, Lover, and Savior. He is King of kings and Lord of lords (Revelation 19:14-16). Although people will mourn for not recognizing Him earlier, when He returns, a great company of angels and elders will declare praises and glory to the Lamb (Jesus), filling heaven with worship unto Him and God (Revelation 5:11-14, 7:9-15). John was amazed by the sight of all of these and even found out that the people worshipping were those who were victorious from the Great Tribulation.

In the end, the devil will be locked up forever and ever (Revelation 20:10-12)! Books containing the final judgment will be opened, and those not in the Book of Life are doomed and will suffer eternally in hell (Revelation 20:14-15). Knowing this, however, Paul reminds us not to judge (1 Corinthians 4:5) and to leave the judgment to God. Our job is to preach the word as we prepare for Jesus’ return (2 Timothy 4:1-2), stimulate one another in love and good deeds, walk with others, and encourage one another as the day of Christ’s return draws near (Hebrews 10:24-25).

JESUS WILL RENEW ALL THINGS

The grandeur of heaven is explained in metaphors because its beauty is beyond description, reminding us that God is preparing a wonderful place for us beyond our imagination! In the end, there will be a new heaven and a new earth (Revelation 21:1-5), made beautiful by the presence of God Himself as His glory is enough to give light forever. As promised, He will wipe away our tears, and there will no longer be any death, pain, and crying — HE WILL MAKE ALL THINGS NEW!

We will also have a great intimacy with God, serving Him and reigning with Him forever and ever (Revelation 22:3-5). We will all be changed, so we must be steadfast and continue to abound in the work of the Lord (1 Corinthians 15:51-53, 57-58). Let us increase in love for one another (1 Thessalonians 3:12-13) and be the best in all the things we do, doing it for the Lord.

JESUS WILL REWARD THE FAITHFUL

Those who believe in Christ, transformed, and bearing the fruit of the Spirit have something to look forward to: Jesus brings the rewards for those who truly belong to and believe in Jesus. True believers are overcomers who will receive a great inheritance, while those who live in sin are doomed to suffer the second death in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone (Revelation 21:7-8). We will all be accountable to Jesus for all we have done in this life (Revelation 22:12-13). Let us find our joy in Him and allow Him to change us from the inside out as we fight the good fight of faith (2 Timothy 4:7-8). He is our greatest reward!

We are to set our minds on things above (Colossians 3:2, 4) and not to be ashamed of Jesus when He returns (1 John 2:28). He is coming quickly, but the question is: are we going to be found truly in Him? May we, just like John, proclaim — “COME LORD JESUS”!

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LAST WEEK’S MEMORY VERSE

and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away. (Revelation 21:4)