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PRAYER FOR TODAY
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Tuesday February 24 - Soon coming!
“Look, I am coming soon! Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy written in this scroll.” Revelation 22:7
It’s commonplace for cinemas to show tasters of upcoming movies. Our text announces an epic that is coming soon – Jesus’ return! Let’s not fall into the trap of seeing Revelation simply as an allegory, simply a story with a hidden moral message – it’s far more than that! The angel who brought the prophecy closes by saying that it is “faithful and true” (v 6). Jesus reaffirms his imminent return, pronouncing blessings on those who take to heart the prophecies written in the book.
Two thousand years ago Jesus declared he is coming back soon. In the gospels Jesus warns us that his second coming will be sudden and unexpected, yet we are still waiting! In the economy of God ‘a thousand years are like a day’ (2 Peter 3:8), so in that sense it’s been just a two-day wait! The early church expected Jesus’ soon coming – were they wrong? Not at all; God wants every generation to be ready, watching and waiting for Christ’s return.
“Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book”; Revelation was not given as a source for interesting Bible studies and esoteric debates but to lead us to trust and obey God, applying truth to the way we do life. ‘When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation and take me home, what joy shall fill my heart!’ Are you ready?
Father, may I eagerly await for the blessed hope – the appearing of the glory of our great God and Saviour, Jesus Christ (Titus 2:13). Amen.
Wednesday February 25 - There is still time
Then he told me, “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this scroll, because the time is near.” Revelation 22:10
The angel told John not to seal up the words of the prophecy “because the time is near”. This is in contrast to Daniel 8:26 when the prophet is told to “seal up the vision, for it concerns the distant future.” Revelation needs to be made known because of the imminence of Christ’s return. The signs of the last days pepper news streams day after day; they are unfolding around us: a blatant disregard for God, deception abounding, the love of many growing cold, a rise in nationalism, increase in natural disasters and the persecution of believers (see Matthew chapter 24).
This message is so important. Jesus told parable after parable to warn us that he is coming back, so that we should be prepared, ready to endure hardship, stay faithful and serve him until the end. The Second Coming is unwittingly becoming a forgotten doctrine. Our concern is shifting from readiness for the Kingdom to come, to promoting our well-being and comfort on earth.
Dear friends, this is a salutary message, but we would not do justice to this amazing prophecy if we ignore its warnings of impending judgement. Yes, Jesus is coming back as Lord and Saviour, but he also comes to judge the ‘quick and the dead’. When Christ returns there will be no time for last-minute repentance, but there is still time now!
Father, may this reminder of Christ’s return and the final judgment spur me to live with a sense of urgency in my faith and witness. Amen.
PRAYER FOR TODAY