(The following is the December 31 devotional from my Next Step Devotions book. Before reading it, I suggest you read Revelation 22 and pay close attention to verses 20-21.)
As we read Revelation and ponder events yet to unfold on the world stage, we may have mixed emotions. We may long, like Paul, to depart this life and be with Christ (Phil. 1:23). To that end, we may say, “Come, Lord Jesus,” longing for his second coming to happen in our generation as he ushers in his final kingdom.
However, if Jesus returns today, many of our friends and loved ones will suffer God’s wrath for eternity because they haven’t yet received him as Lord. Dare we cry “Come, Lord Jesus” for our personal good if that means others suffer his wrath?
God is sovereign, and Christ will come again when the Father desires it. It might be today or a thousand or more years from now. We don’t know. While we wait, we can affirm these truths:
Jesus will come again as his Word promises.
God is just and will judge everyone on Earth, living and dead, with perfect justice.
Until Jesus returns, Christians have work to do, making disciples who make disciples in obedience to the Great Commission.
For as long as God grants us breath and life, we must work diligently to grow in our faith, love for Christ, obedience to his Word, and service for him.
May we continue to identify and carry out the next steps God has for us as his disciples. “He who testifies about these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming soon.’ Amen! Come, Lord Jesus! The grace of the Lord Jesus be with everyone. Amen” (vv. 20-21).
Next Step:
Reflect on your response to some of the next steps included at the end of devotions in this book. Which ones sparked meaningful growth for you? Which ones should you devote more effort to in the coming year?
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