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\u201cLook, I am coming soon!\xa0 \u2026 The Spirit\xa0and the bride\xa0say, \u201cCome!\u201d And let the one who hears say, \u201cCome!\u201d Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life. \u2026 He who testifies to these things\xa0says,\xa0\u201cYes, I am coming soon.\u201d Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. (Revelation 22:12a, 17, 20).

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The first instance of hope in the Bible erupts out of hopelessness in Naomi\u2019s story and points ahead to Jesus.\xa0 The final instance of hope in the Bible comes on the last page and points ahead to Jesus.\xa0

We may feel stuck in a rut, hopeless in this dark world, as Naomi did.\xa0 We may feel wearily unable to lift our eyes, hearts, or prayers to heaven.\xa0 Unable to do anything for God or approach God or even muster much of a belief in God.\xa0

If that\u2019s you, the one feeling hopelessly unable to come to God, then hear this final word of the scriptures: Jesus is coming to us.\xa0

\u201cBehold, I am coming soon!\u201d says Jesus.\xa0 And we hear the Spirit respond with \u201ccome!\u201d\xa0 And the church, the bride responds with: \u201ccome!\u201d\xa0 Indeed, all those with an ear to hear the good word of the Gospel join the chorus with their response of \u201ccome!\u201d

Then Jesus responds again in affirmation: \u201cYes, I am coming soon.\u201d\xa0

In the moments when we feel overwhelmed by the world, the day, our work, or the burdens of our lives, remember that Jesus has promised to come to us.\xa0 Remember that he\u2019s coming to set all things right and make all things new.\xa0 Remember He\u2019s coming to give us a home and place to belong.\xa0 Remember He\u2019s coming to give us rest, refreshment, and peace.\xa0 Remember that He\u2019s coming to wipe every tear from our eyes and put an end to pain and to death.\xa0

And remember, that even when you can\u2019t muster a prayer yourself, remember that the Spirit in it\u2019s prayers of groaning, along with the larger Church of Christ we\u2019re a part of continues to pray these words even when we can\u2019t, praying for Jesus to come.\xa0\xa0

Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.

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