Upper Stories of John
Light: Part Four
The last type of upper story light is eschatological, or end times light. In order to better understand this light let’s discuss two words focusing on the Return of Christ.
Apokalupsis means an unveiling or uncovering from darkness into light. It’s most often translated ‘reveal’ or ‘revelation’. Something was hidden and now comes into the light like drawing back a curtain to see what’s behind it.
… as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Cor. 1:7b
… when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels,
2 Thessalonians 1:7
The revelation (Apocalypse) of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to His servants the things that must soon take place. Revelation 1:1a
Jesus is coming back in great light as He’s revealed to the world for all to see. Some will be grateful and others will cringe.
Ephiphaneia means to ‘appear’ by illuminating, shining, light. Christ returns as an epiphany or visible appearance.
… until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, 1 Timothy 6:14
… waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, Titus 2:13
The upper story light pointed believers in the Old Testament to watch and wait for that glory-light calling it the Day of LORD; not His first coming, but His Second Coming.
Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and His glory will be seen upon you. And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising. The sun shall be no more your light by day, nor for brightness shall the moon give you light; but the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory.
Isaiah 60:1-3, 20
Physical, white light radiates from the sun (lower story) picturing God’s glory radiating from heaven (upper story) totally filling the Temple (2 Chron. 7:1-2) and will ultimately fill the earth (Ez. 43:2, 5). It’s the same Transfiguration light (Matt. 17:2, Mark 9:3, Luke 9:32) that emanated from the inside of Christ causing His face to shine like the sun appearing radiant, intensely white, and His glory was revealed on earth.
Our beloved Apostle John was keenly aware of this upper story, he was there experiencing spiritual glory-light like never before. He went on to quote Jesus,
“The light is among you for a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going. While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.” When Jesus had said these things, He departed and hid Himself from them. John 12:35-36
We are sons of light as we follow Him.