The Appointed Day - Part Two

The Day of the Lord comes likes two sides of a coin.  One side is etched in surprise, darkness, and destruction (1 Thessalonians 5:2-3). The other side is etched in expectation, in the light of the Bright and Morning Star (Revelation 22:16). Which side people experience is based on whether they are of the light and the Day, or of the darkness and the night.
 
At Jesus’ first coming, the angels resounded a long-awaited heavenly song. “Glory to God in the Highest, and on earth, peace, goodwill toward men” (Luke 2:14). At Jesus’ second coming, the heavenly hosts shall be silent and the heavens will be pitch black at first. God offered humanity peace; they chose to reject Him instead and follow another (Revelation 8:1-6).
 
In the midst of the total darkness, the veil of Heaven shall be pulled back and every eye shall see Christ seated on the throne. Every eye shall see Him stand, signaling that now is the appointed time. Every eye shall see Him come to Mt. Zion, splitting the mountain to make a way of escape for the Jews, for they have finally recognized their Messiah. Every eye shall see Him gather His Bride to Himself and take us to our prepared place in Heaven.
 
A trumpet sounds the alarm for those who have rejected Christ. It sounds a joyful command to “Arise and Shine” to those who are His. We ride with angels in chariots of fire; those who have rejected Him see fire fall from Heaven in judgment.
 
The Bride’s 3rd Day resurrection coincides with Israel’s 3rd Day revival. As we are seated as the immortal heavenly government, Israel experiences the latter rain outpouring necessary for carrying on the Messiah’s earthly ministry in that Day (Hosea 6:1-3).
 
At Jesus’ first coming, He came as a Lamb to be slain. At Jesus’ second coming, He shall come as the Lion of Judah, the triumphant King of kings and Lord of lords. For this is His Day, the Day of Christ.
 
Truly, this is the Day that the Lord has made! Needless to say, we will rejoice and be glad in it (Psalm 118:24). The Antichrist thinks he will destroy Israel and take over the world. How foolish of him, for the earth is the Lord’s and all its fullness (Psalm 24:1).
 
Among its many titles, this Day is also called the Day of Judgment (2 Peter 3:7). As joint-heirs with Christ, we shall sing a new song. Among its many declarations, we shall sing with one voice, “Righteous are You, O Lord, and upright are Your judgments. Your testimonies, which You have commanded are righteous and very faithful” (Psalm 119:137-138).

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