25 “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; 26 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. 27 Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.”
In verses 25-28, Luke gives us the signs of the Second Coming. There is no sign preceding the Rapture, but there is before the Second Coming.
21:25
“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;
Cosmic signs in the sky and on earth will occur before the Second Coming. God will bring chaos to civilization. The signs of God’s judgment on Israel in A.D. 70 are terrestrial, but the signs of Jesus’ Second Coming are both cosmic and terrestrial.
21:26
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.
When the cosmic events occur, it will terrify those who experience it. They will observe the powers of the heavens shaken. God will overthrow national entities.
21:27
Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
Jesus will descend from heaven with great power and glory. The “cloud” represents the shekinah glory.
His descent will be a literal event like His ascension (Lu 24:51; Acts 1:11). Daniel 7:13-14 describes these events. Jesus will come to establish His kingdom on earth.
21:28
Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.”
The call to “look up” encourages believers to hope for Christ’s return and the establishment of His glory on earth. Those living in the Tribulation should watch for these cosmic and terrestrial signs so they can be spiritually prepared for Christ’s return, offering hope amid chaos.
The “redemption” here is the final stage of Israel’s earthly redemption and points to our ultimate glorification, when God will glorify both our souls and bodies prepared for heaven.
PRINCIPLE:
The Second Coming is the consummation of God’s purpose on earth—His glory.
APPLICATION:
When Jesus comes in His Second Coming, it fulfills the consummation of Old Testament promises, which centers on the glory of God. This event will be the most widely viewed in history. It will shake the natural order of creation (Is 3:24-4:1; Jer 4:23-26; Ezek 32:7-8; Dan 8:10; Joel 2:10; Amos 8:9; Nahum 1:4-5; Hag 2:6). This event will fulfill creation’s ultimate purpose: God’s glory.
