Anticipating GLORY!

I originally wrote this as an article for the Family Life (the news letter for the Church of Christ in Falls Church, VA.) on Easter Sunday, April 19th 2020 but I feel it has a message for everyone during the Covid-19 virus pandemic. 

Anticipating GLORY!

At the end of the New Testament we find a letter about THE END.  Revelation lays out all the woes, horrors and deceptions that are all around us.  Revelation also reveals from the very beginning the victory that awaits the LORD’s faithful people.  The letter spoils its own ending but in doing so builds anticipation.

We start with Jesus revealed in all HIS GLORY and we end with Jesus in all HIS GLORY.  It is here in the middle that it is hard to see that GLORY.  We are currently surrounded by terrible news about COVID-19.  We are currently staying home away from our family, friends and fellow believers.  We are currently wearing masks and gloves to keep ourselves and others safe.  We are anxious about our jobs and paying our bills.  We also hear that in the United States alone over 24,000 have died and over half a million have contracted this virus.  (As of April 15th 202 according to https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/us-map).  Here in the middle it is hard to see Jesus’ GLORY.

In fact, those who initially received the letter of Revelation were also facing grim news.  John’s vision starts to end with Jesus encouraging the readers, this includes us as well.

“Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done.  I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End."

“Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city.  Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood."

“I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.” (Revelation 22:12 - 16)

The last words of Revelation are calls for Jesus to come in all HIS GLORY.  The Spirit calls.  The Bride calls. John calls.  Believers throughout the centuries until today call!  “COME!”

It may feel like you are alone here in the middle but you are not!  Jesus is with you.  The Holy Spirit is with you.  The Father is with you. We are with you.  We all want Jesus to finally COME is all HIS GLORY!

His answer is our HOPE  “Yes, I am coming soon.” (Revelation 22:20)