Even so, come, Lord Jesus.
The in-breaking of Jesus’s kingdom is a reality that’s as sure and as real as Jesus himself.
I never want to resort to turning this blog into a space where political or social punditry out-volumes the grace of the gospel. Lord, may it never be! However, I would be remiss if I didn’t at least share what’s on my heart in the aftermath of yesterday’s “display.” If I were honest, I would say I have no words — which I don’t. I wasn’t there (although I have a friend who was). I wasn’t among the crowd that decided it was in their best interest to storm the Capitol Building. I know nothing of what precipitated what will be an infamously historic moment in America’s history. I hesitate to comment too decisively on matters of which I have no experiential knowledge. What I can say, though, is that the images from yesterday’s “protest” looked far too similar to images I’ve seen in dystopian sci-fi dramas produced by Hollywood. In fact, the last several months have felt like they were ripped right out of a bad apocalyptic movie.
Yet, even still, notwithstanding yesterday’s tragic scene, and the fallout to come, I am so glad that my hope of tomorrow isn’t tethered to what happens in Washington D.C. Indeed, if you believe in Jesus Christ as the only Savior from sin, who shed his precious blood so that you might have eternal life, your future is rock solid. It’s built on his everlasting foundation of grace and truth. “For who is God besides the Lord? And who is a rock? Only our God” (Ps. 18:31).
No matter who is in office. No matter what the days might hold for this country. The hope of the church is secure because Jesus is alive. In fact, of all segments of these United States, the church has every reason to be optimistic and hopeful regarding future days precisely because of who its King is.
No matter what our present circumstances might look like. No matter what challenges await us in the weeks and months ahead. No matter the turmoil. No matter the hardship. No matter the distress. We can be confident precisely because Jesus is enthroned in the heavens. And I don’t mean that as some sort of pithy inspirational sentence to make you “#blessed.” I say that because it’s true. The greatest truth of our day — and of all the days that lie ahead — is that King Jesus is still King. Yesterday didn’t change that. The last twelve months didn’t change that either. Nor will that ever change. Not even by the tiniest degree.
Jesus reigns. Period.
The in-breaking of his kingdom is a reality that’s as sure and as real as Jesus himself. It can never be hindered or thwarted by man’s best (or worst) intentions. Nothing can stop (or speed up) God’s kingdom. The hope of the church — your hope and mine — is secure because the Lord of all things gave his life to reconcile the world to himself. And as hard as it may be to believe right now, his plan for this world is proceeding as planned (Ps. 33:11; Isa. 55:8–9). He’s given us his promise that he is coming soon to snatch up his Bride in his arms. “Yes,” our Bridegroom declares, “I am coming soon.” To which we give the earnest prayer, “Even so, come, Lord Jesus” (Rev. 22:20).
Jesus, be with your church.
Jesus, we need you.
Jesus, come quickly.
“The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen” (Rev. 22:21).