“Surely I am coming quickly” Revelation 22:20
The last words of a dear friend departing our company are usually important. When the parting is expected to be for a lengthy period something will be said regarding the manner and timing of reunion. Jesus’ last words to His people and to the world should therefore be given attention. They bring joy to the heart of the one who longs for Him.
The last invitation by Jesus is to come to him. “And the Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ And let him who hears say, ‘Come!’ And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely” (22:17). Jesus excludes no one. All may come. The invitation is to even the most evil and wicked; it is to sinners. He commands all and everyone to come. Anyone who goes to hell does so against His will (2 Peter 3:9) and against His command (1 John 3:23). There is no sin too great except that of rejecting His gracious remedy for sin.
Jesus’ last warning is for people who would tamper with His word. “If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his part from the Book of Life” (22:18-19). This is not just about adding or deleting text. It is also about distorting or misrepresenting the meaning of the text such that it prevents people knowing the truth and thereby miss the opportunity to be saved. Satan has always attempted to distort and discredit the word of God and he still finds willing partners today.
The last words of Jesus are an affirmation that He will return. “Surely I am coming quickly” (22:20). Jesus affirmed to His disciples that He would come again to take them with Him (John 14:3). Here He affirms that He will come for all His people and take them to be with Him forever. This is the kind of parting words that friends make. They must part for a time but the glorious hope is reunion, never to be parted again. When Jesus comes, it will be sudden and swift. This is also a warning for us to be ready – for at any time He may come for us.
In addition to Jesus’ last words, John records what our response will be in the last prayer in the Bible. “Even so, come, Lord Jesus” (22:20). Is this your response to Jesus last words? When a loved one leaves us for a time and we long for their return, this is what our response will be. If we really love Jesus we will long for His coming for us so that where He is, we shall be also.