How shall we who are alive and remain to the coming of the Lord appear with Him in glory since we are living on the earth at the time of His appearing?

The power of the Lord's coming will be revealed in the heavens and also in the saints on the earth.

Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising. (Isaiah 60:1-3)

The peoples of the earth will be able to behold, not only the Glory of Christ in the heavens but also the transfiguration of the elect who are on the earth. As the nations witness this transfiguring glory they will believe that God indeed has sent Christ and loves the saints as He loves Christ (John 17:23).

Jesus' hour had come. Judas Iscariot had received the morsel of bread and was on his way to betray Christ. Jesus was preparing Himself to face the giving of His body as a sin offering. The dreadful prospect of falling into the hands of devils and men was oppressing His Spirit.

But Jesus was looking beyond the darkness and death to His return to the Father and to the inheritance that soon would become a reality. He endured the cross by keeping His gaze fixed on the joy that had been placed before him.

He said:

Little children, yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall seek me: and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go, ye cannot come; . . . . (John 13:33)

Peter was troubled at the thought that Jesus was going somewhere without him. Peter was accustomed to following the Lord everywhere He went. He was distressed at the thought of not being allowed to go with Jesus on this new journey.

. . . Lord, whither goest thou? Jesus answered him, Whither I go, thou canst not follow me now; but thou shalt follow me afterwards. (John 13:36)

Indeed, Jesus was about to set forth on a terrible, glorious journey. The first stop—Gethsemane—and then Pilate's judgment hall. From there to the cross followed by the descent into Hell.

Stunning, crashing victory, and the triumphant Christ preached the Good News to imprisoned spirits. Back into the body lying in the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea and the vindication of the love of the weeping Mary.

Up to sprinkle the blood upon and before the Mercy Seat in Heaven, and back down to assess the inheritance. Up again in majesty to the right hand of Power, there to await the creating of His brothers.

Then, down from His absolute glory with His created counterpart to direct the crushing of His enemy in the Valley of Megiddo.

Finally, the magnificent coronation on the Throne of David.

To be continued.