FromNowUntilForeverBook8.5x5.5 REV.indd

(Revelation 16:15). Paul voiced the same warning: “You your- selves know that the day of the Lord will come just like a thief in the night” (1Thessalonians 5:2). I’ll never forget walking into the church I served several years ago, surprised and dismayed to discover that the door to my office had been busted open. Screws and springs from the doorknob lay strewn across the floor.Thieves had broken in through a window during the night and stolen a television, vid- eo recorder, and sound equipment. If we had known they were coming, we would have installed a security system or arranged for someone to stand watch. They entered the building unex- pectedly and we were unprepared. Such will be the scenario when Jesus makes His earthly return.While believers will rise to meet their Savior in the air, the unredeemed will remain behind, unprepared. I implore you to “Be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will” (Matthew 24:44). Yet, understand, suddenly doesn’t mean subtly and quickly doesn’t mean quietly. In fact, Jesus will return spectacularly, as the following descriptions indicate. He’ll be transported by clouds – Just as a cloud re- ceived Jesus when He ascended to heaven (Acts 1:9), clouds will accompany His return. As the words says, those alive at the time will see “the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky with power and great glory” (Matthew 24:30). Clouds in the Bible often depict the presence of God, as was the case for the Hebrews being guided through their wilderness wanderings(Exodus 13:22). Never will this have more significance than theSecond Coming of Jesus. He’ll be crowned – “On his head are many diadems” (Rev- elation 19:12) – not just one crown, as would be fitting for an

79