The Return of the King

Revelation 22:6-17.

One of the things loved about thriller films is the unpredictable storylines and variety in themes. This is because unpredictable could be generally engaging. But the icing on the cake is the ending. How a film ends can justify if it was a time well spent.

I think of the Book of Revelation like an action thriller with very uncommon scenes and themes - heaven, hell, angels, demons, beasts... but then this thriller comes to a happy ending - a promise.

The very last recorded words of Jesus in Scripture, the happy ending promise, were very profound: "Look, I am coming soon!" (v7, 12, 20).

Do you ever wonder:
Is this second-coming thing still real? The answer from Jesus is:

"Look" - v7, 12, (yes, pay attention).
"Yes" - v20.

I know it's real, but when is it happening? Jesus says:

"No one knows" - Matthew 24:36.
"Soon" - v7, 12, 20.

"Soon" means anytime since God lives outside of time. Also, the word "soon" can mean "don't worry about the specific time that the kingdom will be restored" (Acts 1:7). However, the passage does show us what to do while awaiting His return:

Keep His Word - v7.
Do His Work - v12.

And I love the invitation that the Holy Spirit in unity with the Church offers - the invitation to come and drink, come and rest, come and be refreshed, come come come - I feel this is one of God's favourite words (Matthew 11:28). Keep coming back. Keep living His word and doing His work, because he says "Yes, I am coming soon" (v20).

Reflect & Pray

How do you feel about the thought of Jesus' return? In what way can you live more expectant of that day?

Father God, may our response always be like that of John, with hearts that say "Amen. Come, Lord Jesus". The grace of the Lord Jesus be with us. Amen.

God bless you exceedingly,
Sam.

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