Thursday, December 21

Come Lord Jesus

Scripture: Revelation 16

Revelation 16:15  (Look! I will come like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays alert and does not lose his clothes so that he will not have to walk around naked and his shameful condition be seen.)

Observation

The idea of Jesus’ returning unexpectedly, like a thief in the night, came from Jesus Himself—see Matthew 24:43, Luke 12:39. The apostles repeat it in 1 Thessalonians 5:2-4 (Paul), 2 Peter 3:10 (Peter), and Revelation 3:3, 16:15 (John). 

The point is readiness. Don’t get ready; stay ready. If you knew a thief was coming, you’d be prepared. Jesus said, “I’m coming,” so be ready. 

To “stay alert” (GK: gregoreo) means to stay awake, and so to be watchful, vigilant, alert. The idea of keeping your clothes so you’re not found naked and ashamed is another metaphor for readiness. 

I have two recurring nightmares. One is that I arrive at finals and realized I haven’t attended a single class, read a single book, written a single paper and I’m totally unprepared. The other is that I am in a public place completely naked with no place to hide, wondering how I got here and what I’m doing.  

“Stay alert and keep your clothes” is a colorful way of saying “stay prepared, be ready.” Spiritual and moral readiness. 

Application

I used to pray almost every day for the Lord’s return. Maranatha is an Aramaic phrase that means “Our Lord come” or “Come Lord” (1 Corinthians 16:22) It was a common prayer in the early church—a prayer that kept them alert, awake, ready. It is the closing prayer in the Bible: “Come Lord Jesus” (Revelation 22:20). 

It is a prayer that I will pray more often. A prayer of readiness. A prayer of longing for Jesus to come and make this broken world right. 

Is there anything in my life that makes me not long for Jesus’ return? Any reason I’d not be ready? 

 

Prayer: Come Lord Jesus. Our world needs You desperately. While we wait, empower us by Your Spirit to share the good news, to make disciples and to do Your will on earth as it is in heaven. 

More: Zephaniah 1-3, Psalm 147, John 11