I used to dislike the phrase. I didn't want Jesus to come back! Sometimes the disdain for this phrase was "holy" - I mean if Jesus came back people I know and love would forever be separated from him in hell. And, if I'm honest, my dislike manifested itself in some of the most selfish and petty ways - "Jesus can't come back yet! I haven't gotten married or even had a baby!" Wow. I'm embarrassed to say I thought this on, not one but, multiple occasions. This way of thinking, even if its on the pious side of things, reveals sinful thinking. I was basically saying, "God, give me a couple more years. I'm not done saving the people who need you." But salvation belongs to the Lord, and even if Jesus never came back within my lifetime, I still wouldn't have been able to save my lost friends, because I don't have the ability to even save myself - it's only by God's grace and mercy.
For the past few months to a year, it's seemed like something catastrophic has happened at least once a week. These happenings, from natural disasters to school shootings to gunshots I hear in our neighborhood, easily produce prayers that end in "Come quickly, Jesus!"
But usually if I'm having a good day, my relationships are going well, etc., I don't tend to pray that Jesus would come back. And ya know what? That's dumb. When things are going well and I'm seeing a glimpse of the gospel through relationships and daily happenings, that should make me pray for Jesus to come back even more! It should produce thoughts of: "If ____(insert whatever is awesome in life at that moment)____ is so great, I can't even imagine what heaven will be like! There'll be no pain or suffering and I'll be united to God forever. Come back, Jesus! Hurry!"
This isn't an exegesis on the phrase from Revelation 22, its just some thoughts I've had lately. My prayer is that all things, good and bad, will make me long for Jesus' return and final, ultimate reconciliation and redemption.
Good thoughts. :)
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