We can get a feel, from the above verse, of the violence of the return of Jesus Christ. The surviving people will not be governed by a philosophy but by force. Jesus Christ is treading out the grapes of the wrath of God. The wicked will drink the wine. This is the power of a government being installed despite massive resistance.

On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS. (Revelation 19:16—NIV)

This is not the coming of a gentle teacher but an Oriental Monarch. We of the Western democracies have become so accustomed to the antics of politicians as they seek to gain the approval of the masses that we may be ignorant of what life was like under emperors and kings.

For example, Nebuchadnezzar could kill whom he chose to kill. There was no recourse. He governed with violence. There was no way to resist his will.

So it is with the Lord Jesus and His saints. It is a good thing their hearts are pure and their actions are righteous, for they will have tremendous authority and tremendous power to enforce their decisions.

On His robe of righteousness and on His thigh of strength is written King of Kings. Indeed Jesus Christ is King of all kings and Lord of all lords. He has the perfect confidence of God, His Father.

If the rulers of the world had any idea of the power of Jesus Christ they would be groveling at His feet, hoping for some evidence of His favor.

And I saw an angel standing in the sun, who cried in a loud voice to all the birds flying in midair, "Come, gather together for the great supper of God, so you may eat the flesh of kings, generals, and mighty men, of horses and their riders, and the flesh of all people, free and slave, small and great." (Revelation 19:17,18—NIV)

How had you pictured the coming of the Lord prior to reading this chapter? Kind of gruesome, isn't it? Well, this is a true picture. These are the true words of God. The current portrayal being given in the churches are not the true words of God. They are an Americanized version translated by Christian people who are spiritually lazy and sluggish, surfeited with material pleasures and interests.

The true "catching-up" of the Lord's warriors will soon have them looking at the bodies of multitudes of people being eaten by vultures and other birds of prey, instead of beautiful mansions. As Amos said, it is a day of darkness without a ray of brightness.

Then I saw the beast and the kings of the earth and their armies gathered together to make war against the rider on the horse and his army. (Revelation 19:19—NIV)

The Lord and His saints will be resisted. Can you imagine the carnal believers of today, having spent seven years banqueting, playing golf, visiting with their friends, and laying around in their mansion, suddenly being called upon to mount a white war stallion and then to come hurtling down to earth to attack Antichrist and the kings of the earth and their armies? Can't you just see this happening?

To be continued.