In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”John 1:1-5

“I’m coming home!” is a message from a loved one, gone for a time, that brings tears of joy to our eyes with a gasp of anticipation.  We begin immediately to prepare for when our loved one will come.  It’s in our DNA!

But, there is no greater message from loved one who is coming to see you after a long absence than a text or call saying; “I’m on my way!” Excitement comes over us as we anticipate their soon arrival.  A Nano second later we “Martha’s” with a “Mary” heart wonder if we have done enough to prepare for their arrival. So, we scurry to finish the tasks that will make their arrival all the sweeter in ways that demonstrate our love for them. Our love that prompts even greater, loving service comes from God.  It is a deep love that embeds itself in all believers who trust and obey God. 

“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14

Excitement builds in my heart as we read the final word from the “WORD made flesh” who came to earth and “dwelt among us” on earth.  John was the one chosen to help us “see and hear” the sounds of all that is promised for believers who will join Jesus in all that has been made new.

The angel who speaks for Jesus testifies about will happen next “when we all see Jesus”!  Are we ready to “sing and shout the victory” to the One who saved us and set us free?  Are we looking forward with loving anticipation for “when He comes, riding on the clouds, shining like the sun, at the trumpets call”?  Are we ready to lay down all that hinders us on earth and proclaim; “Come, Lord Jesus, Come!” “Come and bring healing for the nations.”  “Come and bring us to the River and Tree of Life forever!”

Revelation 22, The Message

^1-5 Then the Angel showed me Water-of-Life River, crystal bright. It flowed from the Throne of God and the Lamb, right down the middle of the street. The Tree of Life was planted on each side of the River, producing twelve kinds of fruit, a ripe fruit each month. The leaves of the Tree are for healing the nations. Never again will anything be cursed. The Throne of God and of the Lamb is at the center. His servants will offer God service—worshiping, they’ll look on his face, their foreheads mirroring God. Never again will there be any night. No one will need lamplight or sunlight. The shining of God, the Master, is all the light anyone needs. And they will rule with him age after age after age.

Don’t Put It Away on the Shelf

^6-7 The Angel said to me, “These are dependable and accurate words, every one. The God and Master of the spirits of the prophets sent his Angel to show his servants what must take place, and soon. And tell them, ‘Yes, I’m on my way!’ Blessed be the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.”

^8-9 I, John, saw all these things with my own eyes, heard them with my ears. Immediately when I heard and saw, I fell on my face to worship at the feet of the Angel who laid it all out before me. He objected, “No you don’t! I’m a servant just like you and your companions, the prophets, and all who keep the words of this book. Worship God!”

^10-11 The Angel continued, “Don’t seal the words of the prophecy of this book; don’t put it away on the shelf. Time is just about up. Let evildoers do their worst and the dirty-minded go all out in pollution, but let the righteous maintain a straight course and the holy continue on in holiness.”

* * *

^12-13 “Yes, I’m on my way! I’ll be there soon! I’m bringing my payroll with me. I’ll pay all people in full for their life’s work. I’m A to Z, the First and the Final, Beginning and Conclusion.

^14-15 “How blessed are those who wash their robes! The Tree of Life is theirs for good, and they’ll walk through the gates to the City. But outside for good are the filthy curs: sorcerers, fornicators, murderers, idolaters—all who love and live lies.

¹⁶ “I, Jesus, sent my Angel to testify to these things for the churches. I’m the Root and Branch of David, the Bright Morning Star.”

¹⁷ “Come!” say the Spirit and the Bride.
Whoever hears, echo, “Come!”
Is anyone thirsty? Come!
All who will, come and drink,
Drink freely of the Water of Life!

^18-19 I give fair warning to all who hear the words of the prophecy of this book: If you add to the words of this prophecy, God will add to your life the disasters written in this book; if you subtract from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will subtract your part from the Tree of Life and the Holy City that are written in this book.

²⁰ He who testifies to all these things says it again: “I’m on my way! I’ll be there soon!”

Yes! Come, Master Jesus!

²¹ The grace of the Master Jesus be with all of you. Oh, Yes!

WHAT DO WE LEARN—HOW DO WE RESPOND?

The angel’s message comes with a warning label: “Don’t seal the words of the prophecy of this book; don’t put it away on the shelf. Time is just about up. Let evildoers do their worst and the dirty-minded go all out in pollution, but let the righteous maintain a straight course and the holy continue on in holiness.”

Jesus’ final word bring assurance with hope:

“Yes, I’m on my way! I’ll be there soon! I’m bringing my payroll with me. I’ll pay all people in full for their life’s work. I’m A to Z, the First and the Final, Beginning and Conclusion.”

“How blessed are those who wash their robes! The Tree of Life is theirs for good, and they’ll walk through the gates to the City.”

I, Jesus, sent my Angel to testify to these things for the churches. I’m the Root and Branch of David, the Bright Morning Star.”

“Come!” say the Spirit and the Bride.
Whoever hears, echo, “Come!”
Is anyone thirsty? Come!
All who will, come and drink,
Drink freely of the Water of Life!

And we respond; “Come, Lord Jesus, Come!”

Lord,

It is my prayer that all who are lost may not perish but come to you soon because I know you are on your way.  I love you Lord with all my heart, mind, and soul.  I stand on your promises.  I love how you love us and teach us to love each other.  Cleanse my heart, renew my mind, transform my behaviors, refresh me soul with your new mercies delivered daily, and restore the joy of your salvation at work within me. 

May this testimony of you lead others to love, trust and obey you.

In Jesus Name, Amen

When we all get to heaven,
What a day of rejoicing that will be!
When we all see Jesus,
We’ll sing and shout the victory!