Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth shall gaze upon Him and beat their breasts and mourn and lament over Him. Even so, it must be. Amen; so be it. Revelation 1:7 AMPC

Christ came the first time as an infant, born in time and space, small and weak. He will return as the everlasting King, great in strength and glory.

When He came the first time, His glory was shrouded and concealed from human view. When He comes the second time, His glory will shine brightly.

His first coming was obscure, witnessed by a few poor shepherds and the like. Few recognized who He was. At His second coming, every eye will see Him, and all will know who He is.

He came the first time as the Lamb of God. When He returns, it will be as the Lion of the tribe of Judah.

At His first coming, He was judged and condemned to die by sinful men. When He returns, it will be as the Judge, to execute justice and judgment on all who have refused to repent of their sins.

When He came the first time, only a few bowed to pay Him homage. When He returns, every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.

The first time, He washed the feet of His disciples. When He returns, all His enemies will be under His feet.

The first time He came, He wore a crown of thorns. When He returns, He will be crowned with many crowns, the King upon His throne.

He came the first time to make peace between God and man. When He returns, it will be to make war on those who have rebelled against Him.

He came the first time as our suffering Savior. He will return as our sovereign, reigning Lord.

Come quickly, Lord Jesus!

Hallelujah!

Adapted from The Quiet Place, a devotional by Nancy Leigh DeMoss