03-22-2026 Come Lord Jesus

Text: Revelation 22:20

                   This morning we’re going to wrap up the series on invitations found in the Bible.  Today’s invitation is the last of them and it’s found in Revelation 22:20 where John wrote:  “He which testifies these things says, Surely, I come quickly.  Amen.  Even so, come Lord Jesus.”

                    We see two things in our text.  First, it contains the last promise of Jesus before His return which is I come quickly, and then it gives us the last invitation in the Bible the last invitation which is “Amen.  Even so, come Lord Jesus.”  This invitation is also a prayer.  It’s a prayer by John for Jesus to return.  So, let’s look a little bit deeper at why John invited Jesus to return.

                   John lived a life that allowed him to see the results of the world’s rebellion against God and Jesus.  He saw mankind at it’s worst.  He was there when Jesus was rejected and betrayed.  He stood at the Cross when Christ was crucified.  He had personally known many of the martyrs and he himself had been exiled for years because of his faith.

                    This beloved Disciple was given inside information on things others only speculate about.  He had seen the rise of the beast and the false prophet that he wrote about in Revelation 13.  He had seen the previews of the Battle of Armageddon that he recorded in Revelation 14.  So, after having seen all of this violence, no wonder he longed for the return of the Prince of Peace.

                   John also saw the glory of the return of Jesus Christ.  He had heard the call of the Rapture that he wrote about in Revelation 4:1.  He had seen visions of believers filled with praise in Heaven.  John heard the songs of the saints from every tribe and every nation praising the Lord.

                   He had the privilege of witnessing the marriage of the Lamb and His bride, the Church in Revelation 19.  He witnessed the Bridegroom on horseback returning to reign and listened in wonder at the majesty of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.  We read in Revelation 21 how John saw the new Jerusalem coming down out of Heaven.  And, he was able to give us firsthand information in Revelation 22:12 about the rewards Jesus gives His people.

                   After all that he had seen and experienced, it’s perfectly understandable that John was ready for the vision he was given to become a reality.  He was ready for it all to happen.  John wanted to see his King return.  He was exiled on the island long enough and had many good reasons for longing every day for the return of Jesus.  He wanted to see his friend and his Lord.  He wanted to reminisce about the days they had spent together on earth.  He wanted to talk with Jesus about the Cross and Resurrection.  He wanted to hold the nail-scared hands and meet his Savior face to face.

                   It’s no wonder he invited his friend and Savior to come quickly.  Think about this:  If you were given the privilege of seeing what it would be like to meet someone you love that has passed on, wouldn’t you be excited for it to happen as quickly as possible? 

                   We don’t know the day or the hour of the return of Jesus Christ, but He is coming soon and it will be unexpected and it will be quick for believers.  There won’t be an announcement on the News, and it’s not scheduled on anyone’s calendar.  Soon means at any moment.  It’s good news to every single person who believes and trusts in Jesus as their Savior.  But it’s terrible news for those who have rejected Him and will have to stand before Him for judgment. 

                   Our challenge is to be ready for His return now.  We must always be prepared for it even though we don’t know when it will happen.  H. A. Ironside, a Bible teacher, pastor, and writer said, “Surely every believing heart can join in the Apostle’s prayer.”  As a believer do you ever pray with confidence John’s same prayer for Jesus to return?  I do.  Many times when I am frustrated, tired or afraid I whisper “even so Lord Jesus come quickly.” If you don’t, why not?  Ask yourself if Jesus returned right now if you would be caught off guard. 

                   More seriously, if He returned right now it would be too late for anyone who hasn’t already accepted Him into their heart and life as their Savior.  Only when you invite Him into your life, can you invite Him to come quickly.  If you haven’t done that yet, please don’t wait any longer. 

                   The events around the world are telling us that the time for the return of Jesus is coming sooner than we might think.  That’s why it’s so important that you make the decision to allow Him into your heart and life so that you can be ready for the moment He will call His people to Him in the Rapture to spend eternity with Him and all those we love who have gone before us. 

                   When that happens all believers will be quickly transformed into eternal bodies that will never feel pain, sickness, sadness, sorrow, or tears again.  Jesus doesn’t want anyone to be left behind but it must be a personal choice that every individual must make on their own. 

                   You’re never too young or too old to do it.  It’s simple to do but I will be honest and tell you that it will be hard at times to maintain a Christian life in a sinful world.  There will be times when you will trip and fall, and you may even have times when you question your faith.  But when that happens, look to Jesus because He is always there to pick us up, dust us off, and restore our faith.  I speak from experience when I promise you that even though it will be hard sometimes, it will be worth it when you finally meet Jesus face to face.

                   Until we meet again, may God bless you and keep you, may He shine His light on you, show you grace, and give you peace in all the days ahead.