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“Look, I am coming soon!  … The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life. … He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. (Revelation 22:12a, 17, 20).

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

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

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

“Behold, I am coming soon!” says Jesus.  And we hear the Spirit respond with “come!”  And the church, the bride responds with: “come!”  Indeed, all those with an ear to hear the good word of the Gospel join the chorus with their response of “come!”

Then Jesus responds again in affirmation: “Yes, I am coming soon.” 

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.  Remember that he’s coming to set all things right and make all things new.  Remember He’s coming to give us a home and place to belong.  Remember He’s coming to give us rest, refreshment, and peace.  Remember that He’s coming to wipe every tear from our eyes and put an end to pain and to death. 

And remember, that even when you can’t muster a prayer yourself, remember that the Spirit in it’s prayers of groaning, along with the larger Church of Christ we’re a part of continues to pray these words even when we can’t, praying for Jesus to come.  

Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.