“The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price.” Revelation 22:17 ESV
Reflection: is the church truly wanting the Lord Jesus Christ to come?
I got behind a very nice, brand new Cadillac Escalade SUV, the other day. I think they run around $125,000. Interestingly, this SUV had just pulled out of a church parking lot, and had a custom license plate saying something like “BLESSED”. They also had a sticker in the back window signifying which church they attend. Now, don’t get me wrong, I have no problem with a nice car. For those of you who know me well, you know that cars have been, and still are, one of my passions. So I don’t want to act like a hypocrite here. But there was something about this Cadillac that just hit me wrong. It might have been the emblems or signals to the world of prosperity through God. Perhaps because most have gotten so tired of all the liberal virtue signaling over the past years. This seemed to be so similar, kind of Christian virtue signaling, in a way.
We were listening to some discussions on end time prophecies over the weekend which led me from reading prophecies in Isaiah to studying Revelation this morning. I imagine many believers are wondering where are we in the biblical timeline? Which end-time prophecies have already been fulfilled, and which ones are we still waiting for? And, perhaps more specifically, when will Christ return, to establish His Kingdom?
But as I came to the last chapter, to the focus verse today, I had to stop. Because, with all the prosperity, the fancy cars, the large houses, cabins, gourmet restaurants and food, vacations and cruises, a roaring economy and stock market, it made me stop and think, how desperate are we truly for the return of Christ? Desperate enough that we are asking Him to come? Are we planning for His kingdom to be established, or are we busy planning for a future in the world, praying to be blessed in worldly wealth? Focusing on how we can maximize the enjoyment of life?
It is not difficult to see that many, perhaps even most, biblical end-time prophecies have already been fulfilled. So what is left? We have to remember the goal, what this time-era is all about. Peter wrote “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed. Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn! But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace.” 2 Peter 3:9-14 ESV.
The early church that was formed almost 2000 years ago seemed much more desperate for the return of Christ than we are today, even though we are much closer to that day. They did not live a plush life, but were persecuted for their faith, and many even lost their lives for their faith. With all the wealth, the enjoyment and conveniences of life, have we fallen asleep? Or are we awake, working diligently for the kingdom, to bring a few more souls to the knowledge of truth, so they can repent and turn to God for mercy? Are we thirsty for the true blessing, the water of life, longing for the day of the Lord to come? If so, let’s join with the Spirit,
“The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price.” Revelation 22:17 ESV
