DECEMBER 29 - Come Quickly

DECEMBER 29 - Come Quickly

 

The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life. — REVELATION 22:17

 

The writers of the New Testament were a bruised and battered bunch. This is why they wrote so much about heaven. The hope of heaven stoked fire in their bones, and their writings were laced with constant references to the second coming of Christ, to the time when their Savior would restore all things and complete the kingdom. Continually they were praying, “Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus!” They were eagerly waiting for Jesus Christ to be revealed (1 Co rin thi ans 1:7).

 

These suffering saints weren’t trying to escape the painful realities of earth; they gladly endured their hardships. They were able to be happy because they knew heaven would reveal the earthshaking significance

behind each tear and affliction. They likened themselves to soldiers poised on the watchtower, workers hoeing for the harvest, athletes straining toward the finish line, and virgins waiting wide-eyed in the night, lamps trimmed, hearts afire, and scanning the horizon for the arrival of their beloved. For New Testament writers who suffered — and suffered much — the world was no party. Rather, they were anticipating the coming Party.

 

We say “Come, Lord Jesus” with one breath, but in the next, we must always pray, “And until you return, give me grace to bear up under my hardship, peace to accept my life circumstances, and courage to tell others about Jesus Christ so that they too can joyously anticipate the Savior’s return.” So “strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way; say to those with fearful hearts, ‘Be strong, do not fear; your God will come . . . he will come to save you’ ” (Isaiah 35:3 – 4).

 

Lord Jesus, I recognize that this earth can never keep its promises; it can never satisfy. Help me to set my heart on heavenly glories above. Help me to make sure I invite others to that heavenly Party!