1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants—things which must shortly take place. And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John, who bore witness to the word of God, and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, to all things that he saw.
In
this profound introduction, we witness the divine intention behind the
Revelation. YHWH bestowed this insight upon Yeshua, who, in turn, entrusted it
to an angel for John. This sequence underscores the sacred responsibility of
conveying truths about the future, particularly concerning the last days.
Daniel 2:28-29
But there is a God in heaven who reveals secrets, and He has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will be in the latter days. Your dream, and the visions
of your head upon your bed,
were these: As for you, O king, thoughts came to your mind while on your bed, about what would come to pass
after this; and He who reveals secrets
has made known to you what will be.
Here, we draw parallels to the prophetic revelations given to
Nebuchadnezzar, which Daniel interpreted. A revelation signifies the disclosure
of previously unknown truths, often concerning humanity's future. This context
establishes the gravity of what is to come—events signaling the end of our
current world.
3 Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy,
and keep those things which are written
in it; for the time is near.
The promise of blessing for those who engage with this prophecy is unique
within Scripture. There is no other book in the entire bible such a claim the
reader will be blessed from reading, hearing and keeping the words held within.
The urgency conveyed by "the time is near," penned over 2,000 years
ago, compels us to reflect on the current state of our world. If we identify as
believers, we must acknowledge that we are potentially living in the biblical
last days. Let’s also take into consideration what Peter had to say about the
last days.
2 Peter 3:1-4
Beloved, I now write to you this second
epistle (in both of which I
stir up your pure minds by way of reminder), that you may be
mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of
the commandment of us, the apostles of the Lord and Savior, knowing this first: that scoffers will come in
the last days, walking according to their own lusts, and saying,
“Where
is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they
were from the beginning of creation.”
This
passage underscores the skepticism that arises as we approach the culmination
of prophecy. It aligns with Isaiah.
Isaiah 5:20
Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness;
Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!
Such proclamations resonate in our contemporary society, where moral
confusion reigns. The persistence of such attitudes signals the reality of our
times as we anticipate Yeshua’s return.
I understand this is
just a small easy prophecy,
but nevertheless, it is true.
More and more believers are subject to men
who chooses to walk according to fleshy lusts which
ultimately ends up with men calling
things good which YHWH has made clear are evil, and calling evil things YHWH
has made for good. If we truly consider the world we are living in today, there
should absolutely be no misguided understanding, we are certainly living in the last days before
the second coming
of Yeshua, our Messiah.
The Seven Churches and Their Significance
4 John, to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from Him who is and who was and who is to come,
and from the seven Spirits who are
before His throne, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth.
To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, and has made us kings and priests to His
God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
Isaiah 11:2
The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him, The Spirit of wisdom and understanding, The Spirit of counsel
and might, The Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord.
Psalm 89:27
Also I will make him My firstborn, The highest of the kings of the earth.
Exodus 19:6
And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These
are the words which you shall speak to the children of Israel.”
This Old Testament promise is fulfilled in the New Covenant, signifying that there are two distinct groups of believers in the last days: those who keep God’s commandments and those who do not. The former will be recognized as the Bride of Christ, while the latter will dwell within the kingdom but outside the temple.
In the context of the early Christian
church, John’s letter addresses the seven churches of Asia, all situated in
present-day Turkey. At the heart of this revelation stands Yeshua, the one who
is, who was, and who is to come—the firstborn and only Son of YHWH.
Before the throne of
YHWH, we encounter the seven spirits that comprise the fullness of His Spirit:
the Spirit of the Lord, Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Might, Knowledge, and
the Fear of the Lord. These manifestations serve as divine attributes that
guide and empower the faithful.
Believers are called to
be a kingdom of priests for YHWH, an intriguing notion when we consider the Old
Testament priests—primarily the Levites—tasked with upholding God’s Law. This
raises a point of speculation that I find compelling: in the last days, there appear
to be two distinct groups among believers. Those who diligently observe God's
commandments may be viewed as the Bride of Christ, while those who do not,
though still part of the kingdom, may find themselves outside the temple’s
inner sanctum.
Reflecting on the twelve
gates of the New Jerusalem, we note the absence of Levi and Joseph, replaced
instead by the names of Joseph’s two sons. This omission suggests a significant
theological implication—those who uphold God's Law are granted the privilege of
residing within the temple, thereby embodying the Bride. The gates, named after
the twelve tribes—Asher, Dan, Ephraim, Gad, Issachar, Manasseh, Naphtali,
Reuben, Simeon, Zebulun, Judah, and Benjamin—underscore this distinction and
illuminate the eternal relationship between the faithful and the divine.
The Coming of Yeshua
7
Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced
Him. And all the tribes of the earth
will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen.
Malachi 4:1-6
“For behold, the day is coming, Burning like an oven, And all the
proud, yes, all who do wickedly will
be stubble. And the day which is
coming shall burn them up,” Says the
Lord of hosts, “That will leave them neither root nor branch.
But to you who fear My name The Sun of Righteousness shall arise With healing in His wings; And you
shall go out And grow fat like stall-fed calves. You shall trample the wicked, For they shall
be ashes under the soles of your feet On the day that I do this,” Says the Lord of hosts. “Remember the Law of Moses, My servant,
Which I commanded him in Horeb for all
Israel, With the statutes
and judgments. Behold, I will send you Elijah the
prophet Before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord. And he will
turn The hearts of the fathers to the children, And the hearts of the children
to their fathers, Lest I come and strike
the earth with a curse.”
This
verse affirms the visibility and impact of Yeshua’s return. The mourning
described reflects a sobering realization among those who once doubted or
rejected Him.
This
verse from Revelation has sparked considerable discussion, particularly among
proponents of preterism—the theory that asserts Jesus has already returned. The
text states that even those who pierced Him will witness His descent, a point
often cited in support of this viewpoint. However, I find the preterist
interpretation lacking, given the numerous other scriptural prophecies that
must be fulfilled prior to His return, many of which remain unfulfilled.
From my perspective, this verse suggests one of two
possibilities. First, it may refer to the descendants of those who pierced
Yeshua, indicating that they will indeed witness His descent. Alternatively, it
could imply that those who have passed away, including those who directly
pierced Him, will also behold His coming. Each interpretation invites us to
reflect on the profound implications of Yeshua's return and the enduring impact
of His sacrifice.
Mark
13:24-27
“But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun
will be darkened, and the moon will
not give its light; the stars of
heaven will fall, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in
the clouds with great power and glory. And then He will send His angels,
and gather together His elect from the four winds, from the farthest part of
earth to the farthest part of heaven.
Mark’s
account significantly counters the preterist interpretation, particularly with
the eschatological events he describes. He clearly outlines that, following the
tribulation, the sun and moon will cease to give light, and the stars—often
understood as angels—will fall from heaven to earth.
This
imagery invites intriguing speculation: could these fallen stars represent the
army of saints who accompany Christ upon His return? The idea that celestial
beings may play a pivotal role in this grand revelation not only deepens our
understanding of the narrative but also highlights the cosmic significance of
His second coming. Mark’s depiction serves as a powerful reminder of the
transformative and climactic nature of these prophetic events.
Isaiah
66:15-16
For behold, the
Lord will come with fire And with His chariots, like a whirlwind, To render His anger with fury, And His
rebuke with flames of fire. For by fire and
by His sword The Lord will judge all flesh; And the slain of the Lord shall
be many.
This
imagery paints a powerful portrait of divine judgment, as the Lord descends
amidst clouds and flames, poised to execute His righteous anger. His coming is
not merely a moment of revelation but a decisive act of justice, aimed at both
the living and the dead. In this solemn promise, we are reminded of the gravity
of His authority and the magnitude of His judgment, where every soul will stand
before Him, accountable for their deeds. The vivid descriptions serve to
emphasize the seriousness of His mission: to purify, to judge, and ultimately,
to establish His kingdom in righteousness.
Luke
21:25-28
“And there will
be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with
perplexity, the sea and the waves
roaring; men’s hearts failing them
from fear and the expectation of those things
which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be
shaken. Then they will see the Son of
Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things
begin to happen, look up and lift up
your heads, because your redemption draws near.”
Before the
sun and moon cease to shine, we are warned of unmistakable signs in the
heavens, heralding a time of great confusion and distress among the nations.
The roaring of the seas will reflect the turmoil within human hearts, as fear
grips many in anticipation of the unfolding events. Yet, amidst this chaos,
believers are called to a different response: rather than succumb to fear, they
are urged to look up and lift their heads, recognizing that restoration is
imminent. This pivotal moment serves as both a warning and a beacon of hope,
reminding us that even in the darkest times, redemption is drawing near.
Daniel 7:13
“I was watching in the night visions, And behold, One like the Son of Man, Coming with the
clouds of heaven! He came to the Ancient of Days, And they brought Him near
before Him.
Zechariah
12:10-14
“And I will
pour on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of
grace and supplication; then they
will look on Me whom they pierced. Yes, they will mourn for Him as one mourns for his only son, and grieve for Him as one grieves for a firstborn. In that
day there shall be a great mourning in Jerusalem, like the mourning at
Hadad Rimmon in the plain of Megiddo. And the land shall mourn, every family by
itself: the family of the house of David by itself, and their wives by
themselves; the family of the house of Nathan by itself, and their wives by
themselves; the family of the house of Levi by itself, and their wives by
themselves; the family of Shimei by itself, and their wives by themselves; all
the families that remain, every family by itself, and their wives by themselves.
Psalm 4:3
But know that the
Lord has set apart for Himself him who is godly; The Lord will hear when I
call to Him.
When Yeshua
returns, He will come on the clouds, accompanied by chariots of fire, a
dramatic fulfillment of prophecy that will leave no eye unobserved. In that
moment, the world will witness the culmination of divine promise, an event
steeped in both awe and solemnity.
As Christ
descends, a wave of mourning will sweep over those who behold Him. This sorrow
arises not from a lack of faith but from a profound realization—their belief is
no longer a matter of faith alone; they now witness the truth with their own
eyes. They grieve, recognizing the grievous error of their past disbelief,
confronted by the scars that bear witness to His suffering for the lost sheep
of the House of Israel.
In light of
these events, the book of Malachi offers a crucial admonition: “Remember the
Law of Moses, My servant, which I commanded him in Horeb for all Israel, with
the statutes and judgments.” The significance of His Law cannot be overstated;
it is the means by which we express our love for Him. By adhering to His
commandments, we distinguish ourselves from those who oppose Him, embodying a
commitment that sets us apart. His Law is intended for all Israel, and through
faith, we are grafted into this covenant community, embracing a legacy that
transcends time and affirms our identity as His chosen people.
Romans
11:17-24
And if some of
the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive tree, were grafted in among them, and with them became a partaker of the root and fatness
of the olive tree do not boast against the branches. But if you do boast,
remember that you do not support the root, but the root supports you.
You will say then, “Branches were broken off that I
might be grafted in.” Well said. Because of unbelief they were broken off, and
you stand by faith. Do not be haughty, but fear. For if God did not spare the
natural branches, He may not spare you either. Therefore consider the goodness
and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness.
Otherwise you also will be cut off. And they also, if they do not continue in
unbelief, will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again. For if
you were cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and were grafted
contrary to nature into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these, who
are natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree?
Jeremiah
11:16
The Lord called your name, Green Olive Tree, Lovely
and of Good Fruit. With the noise of a great tumult He has kindled fire on it, And its branches are broken.
In Romans,
the Apostle Paul employs the metaphor of grafting to illustrate the
relationship between Gentile believers and the Jewish people within the
framework of God’s covenant. He explains that some branches, representing the
Israelites, have been broken off due to unbelief, while Gentiles, depicted as
wild olive branches, have been grafted into the cultivated olive tree of
Israel. This imagery emphasizes both the inclusion of Gentiles into God’s
promises and the precariousness of their position.
Paul warns
against prideful boasting among the Gentiles, reminding them that they are
supported by the root of the olive tree, which symbolizes the patriarchs and
the covenantal promises of God. He underscores the importance of humility and
faith, cautioning that just as the natural branches were cut off for their lack
of faith, the same could happen to the Gentiles if they become arrogant. This
passage reflects the dual nature of God’s character: His goodness toward those
who believe and His severity toward those who reject Him. Paul encourages a
continual reliance on God's grace, affirming that if the Jewish people turn back
to faith, they too can be regrafted into their own olive tree, highlighting the
hope of restoration for all.
Jeremiah
complements this theme by referring to Israel as a "Green Olive
Tree," a symbol of beauty, vitality, and fruitfulness. This imagery conveys
God's deep affection for His people and the potential for growth and
prosperity. However, the verse also carries a sobering message about impending
judgment. The mention of God kindling fire upon the olive tree suggests a time
of great turmoil and distress, leading to the breaking of its branches. This
serves as a poignant reminder that, while Israel is beloved and has a special
place in God's plan, it is also subject to His discipline when it strays from
faithfulness.
Together,
these passages emphasize the intertwining destinies of Gentile believers and
Israel, underscoring themes of inclusion, accountability, and the possibility
of restoration. They invite reflection on the seriousness of faith, the
importance of humility, and the enduring love of God for His people, both Jew
and Gentile, within the unfolding narrative of salvation.
8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the
End,” says the Lord, “who is and who was
and who is to come, the Almighty.”
Isaiah 41:4
Who has performed and done it, Calling the generations
from the beginning? ‘I, the Lord, am the
first; And with the last I am He.’ ”
The
declaration, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,” serves
as a profound affirmation of God's eternal nature and sovereignty over time and
creation. This is Yeshua making the statement, YHWH also declares Himself in
the same way indicating they are one and the same.
By
identifying Himself with these Greek letters, the first and last of the
alphabet, God emphasizes that He encompasses all things—every aspect of
existence finds its origin in Him and culminates in Him. This statement
encapsulates the entirety of the divine narrative, highlighting God's
omnipresence as "the Almighty"—a title that reinforces His power and
authority over all that is, was, and will be. This timelessness assures
believers of His unchanging presence and the ultimate fulfillment of His
promises throughout history.
Isaiah
echoes this theme of divine sovereignty and eternal existence. Here, God
asserts His role as the Creator and Sustainer of all generations. The
rhetorical question invites reflection on the divine orchestration of history,
emphasizing that all events unfold under His watchful eye and according to His
will. By declaring Himself as "the first" and "the last,"
God reaffirms His control over time, suggesting that He not only initiates
creation but also holds the final authority over its destiny.
Together,
these passages illustrate a central tenet of faith: the God who transcends time
is deeply involved in the unfolding of human history. His eternal nature offers
comfort to believers, assuring them that they are part of a larger divine plan
that spans from the beginning of time to its ultimate conclusion. This
understanding fosters a sense of purpose and security, encouraging believers to
trust in God’s unwavering presence and guidance throughout their lives. In a
world often marked by uncertainty and change, these verses remind us of the
steadfastness of the Almighty, who is both the source of creation and its final
fulfillment.
9 I, John,
both your brother and companion in the tribulation and kingdom and patience of
Jesus Christ, was on the island that is called Patmos for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.
John encapsulates
the essence of the Christian experience: a shared journey through tribulation,
a hopeful anticipation of God's kingdom, and an unwavering commitment to the
testimony of Yeshua. John’s words serve as a reminder that believers are not
alone in their struggles; they are part of a larger community, united in faith
and perseverance, called to bear witness to the transformative power of Christ,
even in the most challenging circumstances.
Moreover,
John's identification of the "word of God" and "the testimony of
Jesus Christ" reflects the centrality of Scripture and the witness of
Christ in the life of the believer. It emphasizes that even in hardship, the
truth of God's word and the example of Jesus remain vital sources of strength
and inspiration.
Revelation
14:12
Here is the patience
of the saints; here are those who keep
the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.
If John
faced persecution for upholding the Law of God and maintaining faith in Yeshua,
we should prepare ourselves for similar trials in our own time. The challenges
we encounter may indeed be more severe, particularly as we approach what could
be seen as Satan's final, desperate attempt to undermine YHWH's sovereignty.
This impending tribulation underscores the gravity of our commitment to
righteousness and the inevitable opposition we may face.
This
perspective is a significant reason for my skepticism regarding the
pretribulation rapture. The notion that believers would be exempt from
suffering contradicts the experiences of faithful followers throughout history,
including those of the early church. Rather than escaping trials, we are called
to endure and remain steadfast in our faith, fully aware that such tribulations
serve a greater purpose in the divine narrative. Ultimately, embracing this
reality prepares us to confront the challenges ahead with courage and
conviction.
10 I was in the
Spirit on the Lord’s Day, and I heard behind me a loud voice, as of a
trumpet, saying, “I am the Alpha and the
Omega, the First and the Last,” and, “What you see, write in a book and send it to the seven churches which are
in Asia: to Ephesus, to Smyrna, to Pergamos, to Thyatira, to Sardis, to
Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.”
John was
transported in spirit to the Lord's Day, where he encountered a voice like a
trumpet—recognized as the voice of Yeshua. The seven churches addressed in this
revelation are situated in what is now modern-day Turkey, a detail that will
prove crucial as we delve into the prophecies contained within this book.
Among these
churches, the church of Ephesus holds particular significance, as it is the
recipient of Paul's epistle to the Ephesians. This connection will allow us to
draw important insights from that letter as we continue our exploration of the
messages intended for these communities.
12 Then I turned to see the voice that spoke with me.
And having turned I saw seven golden
lampstands, and in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man, clothed
with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band.
Exodus
37:22-24
Their knobs and their branches were of one piece; all
of it was one hammered piece of pure
gold. And he made its seven lamps,
its wick-trimmers, and its trays of pure gold. Of a talent of pure gold he made
it, with all its utensils.
Daniel 7:13
“I was watching in the night visions, And behold, One like the Son of Man, Coming with the clouds of heaven! He came
to the Ancient of Days, And they brought Him near before Him.
John
sees "One like the Son of Man" amidst the golden lampstands. This
imagery signifies Christ's active and present role within the church,
highlighting His authority and care for the community of believers. The
description of Him being clothed in a garment down to the feet and girded with
a golden band suggests His high priestly status, indicating His role as both
mediator and king.
14 His head and hair were white
like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire; His feet were like
fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and His voice as the sound of many waters; He had in His right hand seven stars, out of His mouth went a sharp
two-edged sword, and His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength.
Daniel
7:9-10
“I watched till thrones were put in place, And the Ancient of Days was seated; His garment was white as snow, And the hair of His head was like pure wool.
His throne was a fiery flame, Its wheels a burning fire; A fiery stream issued
And came forth from before Him. A thousand thousands ministered to Him; Ten thousand times ten thousand stood
before Him. The court was seated, And the books were opened.
Daniel 10:6
His body was like beryl, his face like the appearance
of lightning, his eyes like torches of
fire, his arms and feet like
burnished bronze in color, and the sound of his words like the voice of a multitude
Yeshua is
depicted with a head of hair as white as snow, and His eyes resemble flames of
fire, conveying a striking image of purity and intense scrutiny. His feet and
arms are described as being the color of polished brass, symbolizing strength
and resilience. His voice resonates like the sound of powerful rushing waters,
suggesting authority and presence. The stars held in His hand represent angels,
indicating His sovereign control over these heavenly beings. Furthermore, I
propose that every instance where the term "star(s)" appears in this
book refers to angels. His countenance shines with a brilliance likened to
lightning, reflecting the radiance of the sun in its full strength.
Jude
1:14-19
Now Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about
these men also, saying, “Behold, the
Lord comes with ten thousands of His saints, to execute judgment on all, to convict
all who are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have committed in an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things which ungodly sinners have
spoken against Him.” These are grumblers, complainers, walking according to their own lusts; and they mouth great swelling
words, flattering people to gain advantage. But you, beloved, remember the
words which were spoken before by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ: how
they told you that there would be
mockers in the last time who would walk
according to their own ungodly lusts. These are sensual persons, who cause divisions, not having the Spirit.
Psalm 110:
5-6
The Lord is at Your right hand; He shall execute kings in the day of His wrath.
He shall judge among the nations, He
shall fill the places with dead bodies,
He shall execute the heads of many
countries.
A
forthcoming court hearing will see Yeshua presiding as the judge, rendering
judgment against all who are ungodly. Jude specifically highlights that those
who lack the Spirit of God are walking in the flesh, driven by their own
ungodly desires. Conversely, this implies that those who possess the Spirit of
God are not governed by the lusts of the flesh. It is important to note that
these fleshly desires stand in opposition to the Law of God, emphasizing the
stark contrast between spiritual living and carnal impulses.
17 And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But
He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, “Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last.
Isaiah
41:4. 44:6
Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel, And his
Redeemer, the Lord of hosts: ‘I am the
First and I am the Last; Besides Me there is no God.
The parallels
in these passages underscore a significant theological connection between YHWH
and Yeshua, affirming the unity of their divine nature. Both
affirmations—Yeshua’s declaration in Revelation and YHWH’s proclamation in
Isaiah—assert that there is no other God besides Him, reinforcing the
understanding that Yeshua and YHWH are one and the same. This reinforces the
notion of Christ's divine authority and identity within the broader context of
Scripture.
18 I am He who
lives, and was dead, and behold,
I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death.
Hosea 13:14
“I will ransom
them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death. O Death, I will be your plagues! O Grave, I will be your destruction! Pity is hidden from My eyes.”
Yeshua is
the eternal one who lives, having died but now lives forevermore. He holds the
keys to hell and death, symbolizing His ultimate authority over life and the
afterlife. The similarities in the terminology used to refer to both YHWH and
Yeshua underscore their essential unity; it is evident that they are one and
the same.
Attempts to
create a separation between the Old and New Testaments are fraught with danger.
I firmly believe that chapter one of Revelation serves to illustrate the
continuity between these two sections of Scripture, affirming that YHWH and
Yeshua are indeed the same almighty God. This understanding is crucial for a
coherent theological perspective that honors the entirety of the biblical
narrative.
19 Write the things
which you have seen, and the things
which are, and the things which will
take place after this.
20 The mystery of the seven stars which you saw in My
right hand, and the seven golden lampstands: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands which you saw are the
seven churches.
The seven
stars represent angels, while the seven lampstands correspond to the churches
of Asia mentioned earlier.
Key
insights from the first chapter of Revelation include the following: Yeshua
entrusts a heavenly angel with the visions intended for John, emphasizing the
divine origin of these revelations. Those who read and hear this book are
promised blessings. All seven churches listed are situated in what is now
modern-day Turkey. YHWH is associated with seven spirits, all of which are
detailed in prior passages. Additionally, it is affirmed that Yeshua and YHWH
are one and the same.
Furthermore,
a critical perspective is offered regarding contemporary medicine, which is
described as akin to witchcraft. Lastly, Yeshua is prophesied to return to
Earth, riding on an enflamed cloud, with the dual purpose of judging the wicked
and establishing His reign as King of His Kingdom.