Come, Lord Jesus!
My family is planning our first family reunion in over 30 years. It’s been a long time since we have all been together and seen each other. A lot has happened over the years in the interim (loss, hurt and pain, but also joy and exultation). So, as we make plans for this gathering, we are excited in anticipation to get together with those that we are connected to. Both those we haven’t seen in a while and those who are recent additions to our family. The invitation is going out to the entire family, with the message… you don’t want to miss this, come and share in the joy of being a member of this family! In Revelation 22:10-21, the biblical canon concludes with the exhortation for the church, in concert with the Holy Spirit, to invite everyone to come and be a part of God's family. Included in this closing scripture is Jesus’ promise that He is coming again! And when He does, He will bless everyone who accepts His invitation. The whole book of Revelation says to us… you don't want to miss out, come and be a part of the Lord's family. Revelation affirms that He is our hope and not only does He save us with His grace, but when He comes again...He will deliver us from evil forever! I pray that you would be blessed with the assurance that your hope is not in vain...Jesus is coming again!
Then he told me, “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this scroll, because the time is near. Let the one who does wrong continue to do wrong; let the vile person continue to be vile; let the one who does right continue to do right; and let the holy person continue to be holy.” (Rev. 22:10-11) The angel who was guiding John, told him that the prophecy that was shared with him was not to be sealed up. It was meant to be shared with others. Although the prophecy was meant to be shared, the angel let John know that some people will continue to do wrong in spite of it. But others will come and seek righteousness and holiness and they are encouraged to continue in their faith and doing what is right.
Epilogue: Invitation and Warning
“Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.
“Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city. Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.
“I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.” (Rev. 22:12-16) Here, Jesus uttered the words that all who have their faith in Him want to hear... "I am coming soon!". When He comes, Jesus will bring His reward with Him for those who are faithful (wash their robes). Jesus will judge everyone and pronounce blessings upon those who are saved. They will be allowed to enter New Jerusalem. But for the wicked who have rebelled and refused Jesus' offer of salvation, they will be refused entry and will be relegated outside the city of God. Jesus testifies to and affirms the prophecy in the book of Revelation, and reminds everyone that He has the supreme authority to do so (He is...Alpha and Omega, First and Last, Beginning and End, Root of Jesse and Offspring of David, bright Morning Star).
The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.
I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll. And if anyone takes words away from this scroll of prophecy, God will take away from that person any share in the tree of life and in the Holy City, which are described in this scroll.
He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen. (Rev. 22:17-21) The Holy Spirit and the Church issue an invitation to all those who are unsaved (those who hear, those who thirst and those who desire/wish) to come and drink freely from the water of life (salvation) while there is still time. All are welcome and none will be denied. But in addition to this invitation, a warning has been issued. There is a high price to pay ("the plagues described in this scroll") to anyone who takes away or adds anything that would distort, deny or dilute the prophecy found in the book of Revelation. Jesus again affirmed with His final words in the bible, "Yes, I am coming soon.". John offered a prayer and an affirmation of Amen in response, and the sacred biblical word of God concludes with a benediction of grace to God's people.
The Bible ends with Jesus' testimony that the book of Revelation is true. And He leaves us with a promise (“Yes, I am coming soon”). John's response is reflective of all of those whose hope is in Jesus, as he offers a brief but powerful prayer (“Amen. Come Lord Jesus”). We too, like John, look forward to Jesus coming back. And we pray for His "soon coming". What a great "family reunion" that will be when Jesus returns and we all come and rejoice together in the city of God. Revelation tells us that day is coming! Until then, we are blessed to have the grace of God in our daily living and John’s revelatory vision to give us hope. Let us all pray together... Come Lord Jesus!
Blessings,
Rev. Glenn
