Come Soon, Lord Jesus
**Are you facing uncertainty in your life? We would love the opportunity to pray for you.
“In the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing” (2 Timothy 4:8 NASB).
“Yes, I am coming soon” (Revelation 22:20 NIV).
Years ago, when I learned my 34-year-old sister had been diagnosed with breast cancer, I felt numb. After telling a friend the shocking news, I added, “I wish Jesus would return.”
“You should welcome Christ’s return because you love His appearing,” my friend said, “not to avoid trouble.”
This answer startled me. I looked to God to fix my problems and help me. Looking for Christ’s return only because I longed to be with Him was a new thought for me. Later, after reading that Jesus will give a crown of righteousness to “all who have loved His appearing” (2 Timothy 4:8), I gave serious thought to why I wanted Christ to return.
Lately, with numerous world crises, I hear Christians say, “Come soon, Lord Jesus.” And I say it, too. But what are my motives? Do I only want to escape life’s troubles, or do I truly long to see Him face to face?
When I e-mailed these thoughts to a friend, she replied, “You are so right about yearning for the Lord’s return with the right motives–for no other reason than to take our places in eternity with Him.”
She continued, “These are exciting times to strengthen our trust in God and to tell others about Christ’s love and salvation. This week, I shared Scripture with several ladies at the fitness center where I exercise.”
I love her hopeful, upbeat attitude. Yes, Jesus is our only answer, and He will return. Revelation 22:17 (NIV) says, “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.”
We live during uncertain times, but we have a secure, rock-solid God. Even so we say, “Come soon, Lord Jesus.”
~Lord, You have everything under control. And we know You will return for Your bride in Your perfect time. Help us to wait with eager anticipation because we long to see You and be with You forever. Strengthen us today as we walk. Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!
Questions: Do you look forward to the Lord’s return? If so, why? How does knowing that we have a dependable God help us in uncertain times?
About the Author: Lydia E. Harris
lydia, thank you for this devotion. I do look forward to Jesus’ return. why? as it says in Revelation 21:4-”He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
through-out my life I have experienced the good with the bad as I’m sure most have, yet it always felt that there was more bad than good. this attitude soon turned to bitterness as I saw those around me die too soon. although I did not profess to having any faith, I still knew of the name “”God”, so I blamed Him. that, of course, was my old nature. with God’s love in my heart today, I will experience blessed fellowship with Jesus. He is preparing me as I go through the rest of my life. what an exhilarating it has been, and it will be.
Hey Mugs you did it again: to be found faithful no matter what, in all HE asks of us. Thanks Lydia for this timely reminder that HE is in control and all will happen in HIS good time.
When the trumpet of the Lord shall sound and time shall be no more! and the morning breaks eternal bright and fair, when the saints of earth are gathered over on the other shore when the roll is called up yonder I will be there! I just want Jesus to find me faithful when he comes! That I am sharing the Lord and I am pleasing him! Let us get ready and ask Jesus to open our mouth to share the good news of Jesus. Let us ask him to open our hearts to share with those in need!
Jesus will be present so there is no need to be afraid! Jesus is all we need!
Dear Ladies,
Thank you for sharing your comments. God is sovereign. Nothing will thwart his plans.
Lord, draw many to Yourself so they will be ready to meet you when you return or take them home through death.
Thank you for the future and hope we have because of Jesus. What a comfort to know you have a plan. We trust you and bless your name. Amen.
thank you for giving us all something to think about
Sometimes I also long to see Jesus’s face. I can’t wait to have long talks and have many questions answered. I am glad we have all eternity.
I teach World History. The more I read about history, there has always been hard times and peoples and rulers have always made poor decisions. Yet here we all are. The one constant thing in my life is God, my King. Thank you Lord, for always being there with us and thanks for being in control, even though we may think everything is out of control.
Linda R, I have never thought where I will be if the Lord returns in our life time. I would imagine we would meet all those loved ones who have gone before us and I pray that my loved ones now will be taken up.
Conviction. conviction…Years ago, a friend of mine overheard me say “I wish the Lord would come back soon” when we were going through a bad situation in our church. He said “you shouldn’t say that.” I was shocked since he was an evangelist. He clarified it by these words,” When Jesus returns, many people will be lost and not have another opportunity to be saved. As long as He tarries, we can spread the message of the Good News and people can be saved.” I still say that I want the Lord to come soon; but I think more about those who will not have another opportunity to be saved. Like others for lifetimes before us, believe that the Lord could return in our lifetime…as more prophecy is fulfilled, and turbulent times approach, I now say “look up, your redemption draweth nigh…”
I often think about the Lord returning and it scares me and I know you are all going to think I am crazy but this is so real to me and that is that if the Lord were to come right now I am home all alone and I will end up in Heaven all by myself there won’t be anyone beside me that I know, I can hardly see the screen for the tears running down my face but it is a real fear I live with every day as dumb as it may sound to others it is so very, very real to me. Hugs Linda!!!
I have to admit that I, too, have often wanted the Lord to return due to unpleasant and even painful circumstances. Thanks for pointing that out to us. I pray the Lord soon returns. I do want to see HIM. May the Lord give me patience, knowing that when He comes, there will be no more time, no more chances for the lost to come to Him.
After reading your devotional email this morning, I have to admit lately (in all my turmoil of life) I have been asking for Jesus to return soon. Please pray for me that my heart will change…I want to see Jesus just to see Jesus and long to be with him.
Julia