The Return of the King of Kings

The Return of the King of Kings

Revelation 19:11-21; Titus 2:13-14; Proverbs 18:10; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

Every hope we hold in this life can disappoint us, but Scripture gives believers one hope that is guaranteed: the personal, physical return of Jesus Christ. In Revelation 19:11-21, John sees heaven opened and the Rider on the white horse coming in power. Through twelve descriptive phrases, the passage reveals Jesus as Faithful and True, the righteous Judge whose eyes see into every heart, the One crowned with many diadems, clothed in a robe dipped in His own blood, called the Word of God, followed by the armies of His saints, and bearing the name King of kings and Lord of lords. When He comes, His people will go out to meet Him and accompany Him as He descends, and His enemies-the beast, the false prophet, and all who follow them-will be defeated instantly and completely. There will be no further opportunity to repent. Because Christ is coming, the only sure refuge is to flee to Him now and trust in His death and resurrection.

Takeaways

• The return of Jesus Christ is the only hope that will never put us to shame.
• Jesus is Faithful and True; every promise He has made, including the forgiveness of sins, can be trusted.
• Christ's return brings instant, complete, and final victory over every enemy of God.
• There is no second chance after Jesus returns, so today is the day to flee to Him.

Application for This Week

The world around us is full of fragile hopes-in circumstances, in people, and in plans that may never come to pass. This week, anchor your heart in the one hope that is certain. When anxiety or disappointment rises, remember that the King of kings is coming and that His name is a strong tower for all who run to Him. Let that hope steady you, purify you, and move you to share the good news with someone who does not yet know Him.

Devotion 1: Our Blessed Hope

Titus 2:13-14 (ESV)

"waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works."

Reflection Question

Where have you been placing your hope this season, and how would eagerly waiting for Christ's appearing change the way you live this week?

Prayer Prompt

Lord Jesus, You are my blessed hope. Loosen my grip on the lesser hopes that so often disappoint me, and fix my eyes on Your appearing. Make me zealous for good works as I wait for You.

Devotion 2: Faithful and True

Revelation 19:11 (ESV)

"Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war."

Reflection Question

Which of Christ's promises do you find hardest to believe right now, and what does His name "Faithful and True" speak to that struggle?

Prayer Prompt

Faithful and True King, You have never broken Your word. Thank You that when You say my sins are forgiven, they are forgiven forever. Help me rest my whole weight on Your promises today.

Devotion 3: Run to the Strong Tower

Proverbs 18:10 (ESV)

"The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe."

Reflection Question

What would it look like for you to run into the name of the Lord, rather than toward other sources of comfort, the next time you feel afraid or uncertain?

Prayer Prompt

Lord, Your name is a strong tower, and I am safe in You. Teach me to run to You first. Let every name You have revealed-Faithful and True, the Word of God, King of kings and Lord of lords-be my confidence.

Devotion 4: Always with the Lord

1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 (ESV)

"For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words."

Reflection Question

Who in your life needs to be encouraged this week with the promise of Christ's return, and how will you share it with them?

Prayer Prompt

Lord Jesus, thank You that You will descend with a cry of command and that we will always be with You. Comfort those who grieve with this living hope, and use me to encourage others with these words.