26 October

TIRED OF WAITING

In Revelation 22, we can see something interesting as recorded by the Apostle John. He was caught up into Heaven and saw an open vision of Jesus and the seven churches. He also recorded that Jesus is the beginning and the end, the Alpha and Omega [Revelation 22:13]

From the Scriptures, an Angel repeated three (3) times to John that Jesus will come quickly.

1️⃣ Revelation 22:6-7

6 And he (an angel) said unto me (John), These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done. 7 Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book. 🕒

2️⃣ Revelation 22:12-13

And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. 13 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.

3️⃣ Revelation 22:20

He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.

When John recorded the vision, he and the early Christians may have envisaged that Jesus meant HE would come quickly, that is, very soon based on their understanding. Indeed, many of these early Christians had heard John's revelation and anticipated HIS coming. We trust they were looking forward to Jesus's soon return. Nevertheless, by now, they had all gone home to the Lord.

Today, we still read the same Scriptures or Torah as the early Christians did. So how quickly did John mean when he said, “Behold, I come quickly” [Revelation 22:7]?

Again, we know the word ‘quickly’ from God should not be interpreted according to our human understanding. The Bible says, "One day is with the Lord as a thousand years". 

1 day = 1 thousand years

2 days = 2 thousand years

2 Peter 3:8

But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.

According to a Google search, the time between John’s ministry and the present time is estimated to be about 2000+ years. This is only 2 days to God. If 2000 years have already passed, we can imagine how many Christians have gone back to God but never got to see the fulfilment of John's prophecy. 

But the Bible clearly mentions a remnant of God's people who are alive and remain, and shall be caught up to meet the Lord in the clouds. Could we be that remnant? God does not want us to think like those without hope, who finish their days without a glimpse of hope in their waiting. 

1 Thessalonians 4:16-18

16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore comfort one another with these words. 

If the beginning of life to the present is close to 6000 years. How soon or quickly, or how much time do we have to prepare for His coming? 

Hence, let us stay watchful and not think that John’s prophecy is not happening. In fact, [Revelation 22:7 NKJV] emphasises, “blessed is he that keep the word of the prophecy of this book”.

Apostle John has revealed the definite return of Jesus Christ not just in Revelation 22; he also mentioned it in other chapters of the Book of Revelation.

Revelation 3:11

Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.

Revelation 1:7

Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.

Revelation 16:15

Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.

The word ‘thief’ suggests being stealthy, quiet, unannounced, or swift in action.

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, we thank you for reminding us that Jesus our Lord will come quickly as mentioned in the book of Revelation. We are not to think as the world (unchurched people) thinks, who do not have God’s Word. We have been given revelation of Your Word, the Bible, from the beginning to the end. Your Word teaches that we have erred if we do not know God’s Word and His power.

Matthew 22:29

Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err (error), not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.

God, we pray for many who cannot reconcile what You have taught or recorded, and know the time. They may have given up hope of waiting, trusting, or believing what Your Word has said. We pray for our unbelief and doubts in Your Word and prophecies. We pray that we who belong to You will continue to hold fast to Your promises, watch, and pray without wavering.  

Lord Jesus, help us stay faithful and do the thing You want us to do until Your return. Help us to share the gospel of love with those around us and impact their lives for the kingdom of God. 

Your Word also reminded us that just a little while, and YOU will come and will not tarry. The just (His righteous ones) shall live by faith. If we draw back, Your soul will not have pleasure in us. 

Hebrews 10:37-38

For yet a little while, and HE who is coming will come and will not tarry (not delay). 38  Now the just shall live by faith; But if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him.” 

In Jesus' mighty name we prayed, amen.  

Scriptures for Meditation:

Matthew 24:43-51 NKJV

43 But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. 44 Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. 45 “Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his master made ruler over his household, to give them food in due season? 46 Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing. 47 Assuredly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all his goods. 48 But if that evil servant says in his heart, ‘My master is delaying his coming,’ 49 and begins to beat his fellow servants (do evil), and to eat and drink with the drunkards (unequally yoked), 50 the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him and at an hour that he is not aware of, 51 and will cut him in two (cut in pieces) and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Additional Prayers for the week:

1. Pray for unrest in Europe. Protests have swept across European nations such as France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Belgium, and Albania. Pray for disorder to cease and protesters' rages to subside. Pray for the spiralling economic anxiety among the protesters, due to wages, education, healthcare, housing, and the cost of living. 

2. Pray for the haze situation. Protect those living near the fire-burning zone, especially the seniors, young, and babies who are most impacted. Pray for Singaporean elderly who have asthma and breathing conditions. Pray for 10 companies that have palm oil or forestry businesses in Indonesia or Kalimantan to address and monitor air pollution.  

3. Pray for Singapore and our leaders. Grant our leaders wisdom, strength, tenacity, foresight, and integrity as they manage our country at these challenging times. Pray for our President, PM, and leaders who come to mind as the Lord leads. 

Thank you for your participation!

Blessings. 🙏🙌🏻

E.W.