Lion of Judah
Greetings, beloved of the Lord,
Grace and peace be with you from the One who was, is and is coming;
The Second Coming of Jesus Christ, as depicted in Revelation 19, Zechariah 12, Zechariah 14, Isaiah 63, and related texts, presents a vivid and awe-inspiring narrative of divine triumph and ultimate justice. Revelation 19 portrays Jesus as the Faithful and True Rider on a white horse, descending from heaven to wage righteous war. His robe, dipped in blood, reflects Isaiah 63:1-6, where the Messiah treads the winepress of God’s wrath, bringing judgment upon the nations. The armies of heaven follow Him, clothed in fine linen, indicating their purity and divine allegiance.
Zechariah 12 reveals the profound moment when Israel recognizes Jesus as their Messiah. "They will look on Me, whom they have pierced," and a spirit of grace and supplication will lead to national repentance. This pivotal moment, coupled with the divine intervention described in Zechariah 14, sees Jesus standing on the Mount of Olives, splitting it in two as a sign of His power and sovereignty. The nations gathered against Jerusalem face defeat as the Lord fights for His people, fulfilling His covenant promises.
Isaiah 63’s imagery of the Messiah’s garments stained with the blood of His enemies underscores the severity of divine judgment. This is the culmination of God’s longsuffering justice, where evil is utterly vanquished. These passages collectively affirm that Christ’s return is literal, visible, and transformative, reshaping both the spiritual and physical realms.
2. The Messianic Reign: Old Testament Foundations
The Messianic reign of Christ is richly described in Old Testament scriptures, painting a picture of unparalleled peace, justice, and restoration. Isaiah 2:2-4 envisions a time when nations stream to the mountain of the Lord to learn His ways, and swords are beaten into plowshares. Micah 4 echoes this vision, emphasizing the global recognition of God’s sovereignty.
Isaiah 11 provides a profound description of the Messiah’s reign, highlighting His wisdom, justice, and righteousness. The harmony of creation is restored as the wolf dwells with the lamb, signifying the removal of sin’s curse. Ezekiel 40-48 offers a detailed vision of a renewed temple, symbolizing God’s presence among His people. Jeremiah 23:5-6 promises a righteous Branch who will reign wisely, bringing salvation and security to Israel.
Zechariah 14:16-19 speaks of all nations worshiping the King during the Feast of Tabernacles, underscoring the global acknowledgment of Christ’s rule. Psalm 72 celebrates the Messiah’s reign as one marked by justice for the poor, deliverance for the oppressed, and universal prosperity. These texts collectively affirm that the Messianic age fulfils God’s promises to Israel and the nations, establishing His Kingdom on earth.
3. The Messianic Reign in Revelation 20
Revelation 20 explicitly describes the Millennial Reign of Christ, a thousand-year period of peace and divine governance. Satan is bound, preventing him from deceiving the nations, and Christ reigns with His resurrected saints. This period fulfils the promises of justice, restoration, and holiness foretold in the Old Testament.
The reign is characterised by the vindication of martyrs and the establishment of righteousness. The nations are governed under Christ’s direct authority, ensuring peace and prosperity. Revelation 20 bridges the promises of the Old Testament with the culmination of God’s redemptive plan, showing that the Millennial Reign is not allegorical but a literal fulfillment of God’s covenant promises.
4. The Literal Fulfilment of Prophecy
The prophecies concerning Jesus’ first coming were fulfilled with astonishing literalness. Born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2), entering Jerusalem on a donkey (Zechariah 9:9), betrayed for thirty pieces of silver (Zechariah 11:12-13), and crucified with His hands and feet pierced (Psalm 22:16), Jesus’ life and ministry fulfilled over 300 prophecies. This literal fulfillment underscores the reliability of Scripture and the expectation that prophecies of His return will likewise be literal.
Allegorical texts, such as those in Isaiah and Ezekiel, speak of literal spiritual truths that manifest in concrete realities. The precision of Christ’s first advent assures us that the Second Coming will fulfill every promise and prophecy with equal literalness, affirming the truth of God’s Word.
5. The Purpose of the Bowls of Wrath
The bowls of wrath in Revelation 16 represent the culmination of God’s judgment against unrepentant humanity. These judgments are deeply rooted in Old Testament themes of divine justice, such as the plagues of Egypt (Exodus 7-12) and the judgment of Babylon (Jeremiah 50-51).
The bowls serve to purify the earth, removing the wicked and preparing for Christ’s reign. They are a response to the prayers of the saints (Revelation 8:3-5), demonstrating God’s faithfulness to vindicate His people. The final bowl, culminating in Christ’s return, signifies the end of human rebellion and the establishment of divine order.
6. Christ’s Return and Israel’s Purpose
The return of Christ fulfills Israel’s divine purpose as outlined in numerous Old Testament books. Genesis 12:3 declares that through Abraham’s seed, all nations will be blessed. Deuteronomy 30:1-10 promises restoration and blessing upon Israel’s repentance. Isaiah 49:6 expands Israel’s mission as a light to the nations, a role fully realized under Christ’s reign.
Ezekiel 36-37 speaks of Israel’s spiritual and physical restoration, fulfilled in the Messianic age. Joel 3:16-21 describes the Lord dwelling in Zion, a picture of restored fellowship. These texts demonstrate that Christ’s return not only fulfills Israel’s purpose but also ushers in global restoration, aligning with God’s covenant promises.
7. Daniel’s Week and the Path to Glory
Daniel’s seventieth week (Daniel 9:27) represents a time of chastisement for Israel and judgment for the world. This period refines Israel, leading to their recognition of the Messiah (Zechariah 12:10). Simultaneously, the world faces God’s judgment, culminating in the destruction of evil and the establishment of Christ’s reign.
This chastisement and judgment prepare the earth for the Millennium, a time of unparalleled glory and fulfillment of God’s promises. The Millennium serves as a foretaste of the eternal state, where perfection is fully realized. Daniel’s week thus bridges the present age with the eternal Kingdom, showcasing God’s justice, mercy, and faithfulness.
Conclusion
The return and reign of Christ fulfil every promise and prophecy with precision, revealing the faithfulness of God’s Word. From the literal fulfillment of His first advent to the glorious reign described in Revelation 20, Scripture affirms the truth and reliability of God’s redemptive plan. The bowls of wrath, the restoration of Israel, and the Millennial Reign all point to the ultimate goal: a new heaven and earth where righteousness dwells and God’s glory is fully revealed. Let us, therefore, await His return with reverence and hope, knowing that He who promised is faithful.
