“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.

— Revelation 1:7

Did you notice the quotations in the text of Revelation 1:7? Those phrases come from Old Testament books of prophecy, and John uses them to remind his readers that Jesus’ mission was foretold long before he came.

Daniel 7:13-14 gives us a prophetic look at the Son of Man (Jesus Christ) “coming with the clouds of heaven” and taking his place with the “Ancient of Days” (God the Father). The Father gives the Son all authority over a kingdom “that will never be destroyed.”

And Zechariah 12:10 speaks of “the one they have pierced” (Jesus—see also Isaiah 53:5; John 19:34). The prophet says that God’s people will see what they have done to the Son of Man, and they will mourn because of it. This repentant attitude is a result of God’s grace. And God counts the shed blood of Jesus as the payment for all our sin, even the sins of those who have not yet believed in him. The God who speaks is “the Alpha and the Omega,” the one “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.”

Jesus is the Savior and Lord of the church. From his position and authority he leads his church still today. In Christ, the church will stand firm and stand up against its enemies and their threats.

Church of Jesus Christ, stand firm today and always.

Almighty, eternal God, you led the authors of your Word to write history, prophecy, songs, and letters to reveal your love, power, and salvation. Thank you! Amen.