"Come, Lord Jesus!" December 31 Readings: Malachi 3-4, Revelation 22, Psalm 150, Proverbs 31:29–31

Today's Readings - Malachi 3-4, Revelation 22, Psalm 150, Proverbs 31:29–31

Devotional 

It's New Year's Eve. Think for a moment about what is going to be happening across our land. People are going to be going out to "have a good time." Nothing wrong with enjoying yourself, of course, but think of all the ways that people are going to be seeking happiness and fun tonight.

More than a few will seek their joy from a bottle - they will look to alcohol or perhaps some form of drugs to provide them a feeling of exhilaration. Many will seek pleasure through sexual immorality. There will be wild parties and games and activities - all sorts of fun things to participate in. Some are sinful. Some are harmless. But our manic search for fun reveals the fact that we still have not grasped one of life's great truths.

We spend a lot of time trying to find life, to find fun and contentment and pleasure and peace. But in Revelation 22, the last chapter of the Bible, we see a truth that helps us in the search for real life. Observe verses 1 and 2.

Then he showed me the river of the water of life, clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the city’s main street. The tree of life was on each side of the river, bearing twelve kinds of fruit, producing its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree are for healing the nations

Coming from the throne of God is a river of living water that feeds the tree of life and brings healing to the nations. Life flows from the throne of God - and nowhere else.

This world can offer us some fun (again, fun does not always mean sin). It is full of beauty and pleasure - things created by God and blessed if enjoyed within proper boundaries. People can be a great blessing. This world has a lot to offer.

But God is life. Real life, true life - it flows from his throne to us. Don't look for, from this world, what only God can offer. Eternal life, abundant life, joy, contentment and fulfillment, these flow from heaven in streams of living water. He alone satisfies the soul with everlasting joy.

The Bible begins with God, speaking the world into existence. Now, the Bible ends with God's words again.

He who testifies about these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” 

First Jesus gives us a blessed promise. He's coming quickly. Oh, of course, quickly is defined by the One to whom a day is as a thousand years. But he is coming. One day. Soon or in the distant future, he will come and consummate this world in his glory.

And so, we say with the Apostle John, "Come, Lord Jesus." Life can be hard, or it can be good, But come, Lord Jesus. When everything is coming up roses or when its stinking like fertilizer, come Lord Jesus. 

Come, Lord Jesus, Come! We long for your appearing and the display of your glory. In the meantime, may our lives serve your kingdom and display your glory in this earth. 

Think and Pray

Pause to thank God for the blessings and challenges of 2017, and for sustaining you in everything.
Commit 2018 to God's glory and the kingdom!
Maybe this will be the year!