Friday, January 7, 2022

Jesus is coming soon! Maranatha!

READ: Malachi 3,4; Revelation 22

SCRIPTURE: Revelation 22: 7 “Look, I am coming soon! Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy written in this scroll.”

OBSERVATION:  When the President or Prime Minister of a nation visits a place, well before their arrival, high-level arrangements will be carefully carried out to avoid any unwanted things or security lapses. In due time, officials will inform people about the leaders' coming. The last verses of the Old Testament and the New Testament prophecies about the arrival of the Messiah. Prophet Malachi calls God’s people to remember God’s word and return to God. In Rev.22:7, John turns our attention to hearing the words of Jesus that encourage us to obey the word of God. Here, Jesus says that those who put God’s word into practice in their lives are blessed.

In Rev.22, three times Jesus says, “I am coming soon!” (v.7,12,20). It indicates Jesus’ second coming will be sure, as the scripture says repeatedly. Rev.22:7 is not just a prophetic announcement. It is also a promise for those who believe in Jesus and expectantly wait for his coming. All the O.T prophecies about Jesus’ birth, ministry, crucifixion, and resurrection were fulfilled in the life of Jesus Christ. Likewise, we see that the prophecies about Jesus’ second coming are being fulfilled in the world today. First, Jesus came as the savior to restore the relationship between man and God and made peace through his blood, shed on the cross.  He will come again as the King of kings to judge the world and reward the faithful believers.

We see many Christians who want to hear a promise verse for each day, work, week, month, and year. The Bible says, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says” (James 1:22). There are thousands of promises in the Bible, and “they are “Yes” in Christ” (2 Cor.1:20). We see many bible verses that say the blessedness of those who obey and keep God’s word in their lives. God’s promises are for those who believe his word and obey them. We need to be careful to live according to God’s word in the corrupted world, for Jesus is coming soon.

APPLICATION: When earthly rulers come, their servants would prepare everything for them. But Jesus, before his arrival, is preparing a place for his disciples (Jn.14:1-3). Preaching the Gospel to all people and Christ’s return are interrelated (Mt.24:14). I have a role and responsibility in fulfilling Jesus’ great commission (Mt.28-18-20).  The Gospel of Jesus Christ answers many challenging questions that humans face today. I should be faithful to Jesus in my life and preach the word in season and out of season. Jesus is coming soon. “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus” (Rev.22:20).  

PRAYER:  Father God, thank you for all the promises you have given me in the Bible. Unchanging Lord Jesus, help me remain in you and faithfully follow your example. Holy Spirit, I need your strength to be a witness for Christ. Like you strengthened the disciples on the day of Pentecost, fill me, today and always, to live for God’s glory. Maranatha! Amen.

- Arputharaj Samuel
+91 9538328573

Day – 365

(Tamil version of this devotion is posted here)

 

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