Jesus Is Coming Soon

"He who testifies to these things says, 'Yes, I am coming soon." Amen. Come Lord Jesus."
Revelation 22:20

Three times in this final chapter of Revelation the Lord Jesus says, "I am coming soon" (vv. 7, 12, 20). The promise is clear. His coming is certain.

"Soon" from God's point of view and from ours may not have exactly the same meaning. It is like waiting for Christmas. To adults it always comes quickly but to children the days seem to pass slowly. But in the scheme of eternity Jesus' coming will be soon and it will be swift "like a thief in the night."

With this three-fold promise in mind (along with the many other promises of His coming throughout the New Testament) we are to live in anticipation of His coming. We are to live daily in readiness for His coming. We are even to live desiring His coming. John's response to Jesus' promised coming is "Amen. Come Lord Jesus." Whatever attraction life in this world may hold for us, it is nothing in comparison with what life with Jesus in heaven holds for us. So we say with John, "Amen. Come Lord Jesus."

Father, help me to be mindful of Jesus' coming that I may not only live ready for His return but that I might even grow to desire His coming and heaven more than I desire this world.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

P.S. On Monday we begin First Light 2010. Reading guides are available at the Welcome Desk in the Worship Center. The readings will also be posted on the sidebar of this blog page at www.firstlightjournal.blogspot.com. We will read the first half of the Old Testament and the entire New Testament in 2010. You can read both or either the Old Testament or New Testament readings. The blog entries will primarily focus on the Old Testament readings.