Revelation 22:17, 20-21 - “The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ And let the one who hears say, ‘Come!’ Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life…He who testifies to these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming soon.’ Amen.
Come, Lord Jesus. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen.”

The word “come” is an extremely overlooked word taken for granted in our daily speech; especially when added with an adverb or preposition, the phrasal verb takes on a whole different meaning than the original. But, despite our grammatical challenges of the English language, the word “come” is used in many positive and important matters of our lives. Socially, we come together for fellowship; we call a friend to “come here” to show us something cool; and a child cries out for mommy to come to help him/her in a time of need.

The book of Revelation finishes the grand opus with a series of cries to “come.” Scholars debate whether the audience is for the unbeliever to come to Christ’s salvation. Or, is it a cry for the Lord to come back soon? But, it seems that both are included in the short exchange. Perhaps the text is purposing to show the tension that exists in the longing for Jesus’ return, and is displayed in the work of the church to proclaim the salvation through the message of the gospel. As Jesus affirms the church “yes, I am coming soon”, so the church responds with “amen, come Lord Jesus.”

Church, lets us grow in how we call unto the Lord to come. Let’s agree with the Spirit and the bride, “come Lord Jesus.” As we cry out “come,” may there be an increase of salvation in our midst.

Prayer: Let’s spend some time in prayer for those we are reaching out to. As you cry out to the Lord, “come,” let’s ask for the increase of the Spirit’s activity in the church for the work of salvation.

Song: Even So Come
https://youtu.be/fBHcvJhc6Pk

-MK