"When The Son of Man Shall Come...."

Jesus' first coming is the event that defines humanity.  Those who do not recognize Messiah still date their cheque books 2014 as the dating system records thereabouts the coming of Messiah.  The Lord came in flesh, born in a humble feeding trough, no place to lay his head as an adult.  Everything about Messiah from his first coming invites us to come and offload to this humble servant of humanity.  The last 2000 years has been opportunity for all Mankind to kneel and be conquered by Yeshua Hameshiac... the Jewish Messiah.

While stood in the hills of the Promised Land, Jesus spoke of his second coming.  Let us make no mistake about the nature of this event.  I am a Pre-Trib rapture kind of guy with sympathies for Mid-Trib rapture. So, in any event, the believers will be with the Lord when he comes back to take his Throne in Jerusalem.  Jesus said of this event:

Matt 25:31

When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:

When is this?
He goes on to describe the Judgement of those who come from the Tribulation.  This is not the Great White Throne where the dead are judged... that is at the end of the Millennial Reign.  This Judgement is survivors from the three and a half year Tribulation period which is half the Seven year period after the Rapture.  The Christians who are saved in the Tribulation are identified by how they dealt with Jews during this time.  The sheep look after the Jews, having understood what this time actually is. The unbelievers are the goats and are killed to be risen at the Great White Throne. The Millennial reign begins with Satan bound in the Abyss and believers going on to populate the Earth. 

Glory
his return will be when Jesus comes in his Glory.  He will not be coming on this occasion as a bearded Rabbi in first century garb.  This time, having showed his Power in the Tribulation, he will come with no doubt as to who this is:  The Almighty God.  He says he will sit on the Throne of his Glory.  When we think of 'Glory' we think mostly of 'shining.'  I have absolutely no doubt that Jesus at his return will be glowing with heavenly light, shining brighter than the most resplendent star.  Trying to describe 'Glory' is obviously impossible and I dare say it will be when it is witnessed.  Suffice to say that Jesus will be who he always was... God, and everyone on earth at that point will see this.  This is a terrifying prospect for the enemies of God but utter Joy for those who are faithful.  

He comes with who?
Jesus mentions the Holy Angels but where are the Believers from the rapture.  Wherever you place the rapture we have to come back with him on this occasion.  The reason on this occasion Jesus doesn't mention the believers returning with their new Bodies is because he was speaking to Jews.  The Jews still had to kill Messiah and then turn to him after the resurrection.   If Jesus mentions who is with him they would assume this meant them.  However all of Matthew 25 is a severe warning to Israel that they must accept Messiah and turn to him for forgiveness.  Jesus is silent about who is with him other than Angels.  Rest assured that the Lord returns with his Bride to have the wedding feast of the Lamb.  

Many Christians have placed the Millennial reign in the 'myth' or 'bad theology' category.  Jesus was clear about the millennial reign of Christ on earth for a thousand years.  We are given roles where we reign with Christ and this role will be proportionate to your  faithfulness.  With the focus on productivity in discipleship let's be aware that simply doing what he says is all he requires.  

Gary Ward