November 28 When?

Revelation 22:6-7 The angel said to me, “These words are trustworthy and true. The Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, sent his angel to show his servants the things that must soon take place.” 7 “Behold, I am coming soon! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy in this book.”
 
NOTICE there are two messages. The first is from the angel who has been revealing God’s victory come to earth. The second message is from the Lord Jesus. The angel affirms the truth has been delivered. The described events will “soon take place.” The Lord then confirms, “I am coming soon.”
    This messenger pattern is the way God has worked in history and is working now. The prophets of old were his first messengers to prepare the world for his incarnation as a man. Then Jesus came. Here the angel is a prophetic messenger preparing the world for Jesus to come again. The angel affirms all John has seen and heard is from the sovereign Lord. John assures the church this is God’s word, not his own.  
    “But what do both the angel and Jesus mean by ‘soon’?” you might ask. Do you wonder why the Lord hasn’t come “soon” since that day? “Soon” can mean to immediately appear. He will appear soon – suddenly without warning. “Soon” can also mean a short time within God’s eternal plan. Peter answers the “soon” question in 2 Peter 3:8 But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. 9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.  
    God’s pattern to reveal himself to his creation is very purposeful. We can trust these words are trustworthy and true. The Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, is indeed “the way, the truth and the life.” (John 14:6)
    Do you confess his authority over your life? Rejoice and be glad! We are to be his messengers to tell, “Jesus’ words are trustworthy and true. He is coming suddenly one day. You will have no ‘next day’ to decide.” It is God’s gift. Receive it and live it.
 
Prayer: To you, O Lord, I lift my heart in praise. I consider your message and am overwhelmed with gratitude. I pray I worship you to faithfully be your messenger. Amen.