The Second Coming of Jesus 

8-3-2021 by Debra Ortiz 

As John the Apostle huddled in his cell on the Isle of Patmos, he ached for the return of Jesus Christ—the remarkable God/man. He was certain it could happen any moment. Replaying the scene on the beach over and over in his mind, he could hear Jesus tell Peter “what is it to you if John remains alive until I come back?” (John 21:22). And now, John was the only apostle still alive. Surely Jesus was foretelling His return during John’s life. But as the time passed, and the weakness of age took hold, John wondered. In the years since the resurrection of Jesus, the world had become increasingly hostile toward His followers.

The Timing of Jesus’ Return

All the apostles knew that Jesus would come back as King over Israel. The prophets spoke often of this truth. John never doubted that It would happen. The only question was when and how?

Surely the burning of Jerusalem by Titus, and the terrifying persecution of the young church by Nero were signs of the great tribulation that Jesus warned would proceed His return. John was the only apostle still alive and emperor Domitian had exiled him to the lonely island for his faith.

As he waited for Jesus, in his cold and filthy cell, John moaned in the darkness. In his heart, he could hear the voice of comfort “I will never leave or forsake you.” “Yes Lord,” John replied, “You are in my heart, but I miss seeing your face. I miss your smile and your penetrating eyes. When will I see you again? When will you return and put an end to this beastly empire?” Your servants need your help. Please come quickly. . . ”

Jesus Returns

Closing his moist eyes, John had barely quieted his heart when a loud voice like a war trumpet sat him straight up like a soldier in readiness (Rev. 1:10 AMP). The voice boomed “I am the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last. Write what you see in a book and send it to the seven churches.” As John turned to see the voice, the glorious atmosphere closed in around him.

The Voice of Jesus

When He spoke, His voice rumbled and shook the atmosphere causing every cell of John’s body to bow low. His voice sounded like a war trumpet and like a mighty rushing of water. The imagery takes us back to the Garden of Eden and the four rivers that flowed, and then over to Heaven, where rivers flow out from under the throne of God. In addition, the saints in heaven make the sound of rushing waters (Rev. 14:2). 

Often in Scripture, the thrashing sounds of the sea is a metaphor for the undisciplined and rebellious raging of mankind. In contrast, Jesus has a voice of many rushing waters, but His voice has forward motion and power–like a river.

What a wonder that the omnificent voice of Jesus is described as a rushing roar and so is the voice of the saints. His voice is our voice and our voice is His. Jesus carries the full and eternal roar of every godly groan and prayer since Adam. Our godly acts of intercession abide in His heart. 

Out of the heart, the mouth speaks (Matt. 15:18). When Jesus speaks, His word comes forth as a rush of power, grace, and justice that is unique in all creation. As the God-man, He surprises and stuns every creature—on the earth and in heaven—with His tender mercies toward mankind. His intercession—which includes ours—shall absolutely be answered.  

John is Strengthened with Kindness

As the power of His personhood burned in John’s heart, Jesus strengthened him with kindness. On this day, in this place, John would behold the second coming of Jesus Christ; just as Jesus hinted on the beach.

As the vision unfolded, John would witness the glorious orchestration of events that prepare the earth for the return of her King to rule the nations from Jerusalem.

Jesus chose to give this vision to His beloved disciple John who represents every saint whose heart burns to lean into the bosom of her Lord and King.

This vision, given to the beloved, is the capstone of the Bible. It finishes the edifice of revelation that God began constructing in the Garden of Eden. Today, you and I have a priceless treasure in the Book of Revelation and the entire biblical record.