The Tribulation Calendar: (8) Jesus` Return.

JESUS` RETURN

`It shall come to pass in that day that there will be no light; the lights will diminish. It shall be one day which is known to the Lord - neither day nor night. But at evening time it shall happen that it will be light.` (Zech. 14: 6 & 7)

Zechariah describes a very unusual day. A day in which is neither light nor dark. A day that quite unnaturally becomes light at evening time. This is a specific day, apart from all other days, in that the Lord of hosts and His angelic army leave the heavenly heights to invade the satanically-ruled earth (Rev. 19); and as all natural light has ceased suddenly this strange, eerie half-light appears. There is no natural light, but it would seem to indicate a light other than that of nature, beginning to change the blackness of the planet.

We know Jesus has said when he comes it will be with power and great glory, and all the holy angels with Him, and I suspect this first ray and glimmer of light is emanating from the distant armies of heaven who are on their way to this sin-stricken blackened earth. Hence at evening time the light is brighter - as though there were a steady increase in this emanation of glory.

This blaze of effulgent glory continues to increase in intensity until, as Paul tells us, the man of sin will be destroyed by the brightness of His coming; and I think also the very armies of the world gathered around Jerusalem. (2 Thess. 2: 8)

`And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war....and the (angelic) armies in heaven...followed Him.` (Rev. 19: 11 & 14)

`So the Lord of hosts will come down to fight for Mount Zion and for its hill. Like flying birds about, so will the Lord of hosts defend Jerusalem. Defending, He will also deliver it; passing over, he will preserve it.` (Isa. 31: 4 & 5)


When Jesus returns it is at the end of the month of Kislev. This is the very month when Israel celebrates the `Festival of Lights.` This refers to the time when a small band of poorly armed Jews defeated one of the mightiest armies on earth, drove the Greeks from the land and reclaimed the Holy temple in Jerusalem and rededicated it to God.

The Jews then sought to light the Temple`s Menorah (the seven-branched candelabrum), but only found a one-day uncontaminated supply of oil. However it lasted for eight days. This Festival is fulfilled when the one true Light, the Lord returns and defeats the world`s armies.

`Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it he should strike the nations.` (Rev. 19: 15)
 
Application.

We, the Body of Christ will be in glory when the Lord returns to earth to deliver Israel and bring judgment upon the nations.

`We give you thanks, O Lord God Almighty, the one who is and who was and who is to come, because you have taken your great power and reigned. The nations were angry and your wrath has come.` (Rev. 11: 17)

We will ever be worshipping and saying –

`Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honour and glory and blessing.` (Rev. 5: 12)

Even now with knowledge of all the Saviour has done and looking forward to what He is and will do, we can daily praise and worship Him.
 
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