Jesus Is Coming Soon!
Introduction
Robert Winsett was born in 1876 in Bledsoe County, Tennessee (up around the Dayton area, north of Soddy Daisy). He was a Church of God preacher and a songwriter who composed and published about 1,000 gospel songs in his lifetime. Perhaps his best-known song, “Jesus Is Coming Soon,” was first published in 1942. This popular gospel song actually won “Song of the Year” in the Gospel Music Association’s very first Dove Awards in 1969.
When Robert Winsett published the song in 1942, the United States had been entrenched in the Great Depression and had just entered World War II after the attack on Pearl Harbor in December of 1941. Is it any wonder he wrote these words? …
Troublesome times are here, filling men’s hearts with fear,
Freedom we all hold dear now is at stake;
Humbling your heart to God saves from chast'ning rod,
Seek the way pilgrims trod, Christians, awake.
But Robert Winsett saw hope in the troublesome times in which he lived. And when we hear the words of his song, it sounds like he believed in the imminent return of Christ. His third stanza says…
Troubles will soon be o'er, happy for ever-more,
When we meet on that shore, free from all care;
Rising up in the sky, telling this world good-bye,
Homeward we then will fly, glory to share.
And then his chorus says…
Jesus is coming soon, morning or night or noon,
Many will meet their doom, trumpets will sound;
All of the dead shall rise, Righteous meet in the skies,
Going where no one dies, heavenward bound.
Well, we’re living in troublesome times too, aren’t we?
This past week we’ve heard of the outbreak of violent clashes between law enforcement and protesters after the police shooting of an unarmed black teenager Saturday a week ago (August 9th, 2014) in Ferguson, Missouri.
We’ve heard about how the Islamic terrorist group known as ISIS has continued its effort to eradicate the Christian faith in Iraq, and how they have crucified and beheaded many including children.
We’ve heard about the Gaza strip conflict and how rockets are being fired back and forth between Hamas and other Palestinian militants against Israel, with Israel being generally depicted as the bad guy in this war.
We’ve heard about the outbreak of the deadly Ebola virus in West Africa with over 2,000 cases reported and over 1,100 resulting deaths. People are starving as farmers are dying in the region, and their crops are rotting in the fields. And emergency rations and medicine can’t get to the people because truck drivers are afraid to go into the quarantined areas.
There has been severe flooding in Detroit and in the northeast and New England. And at least 65 people are dead in Nepal as a result of torrential rains and mudslides.
There have been reports (as there always are) of corruption and misdealing and apathy and strife amongst our government officials.
There has been continued conflict in the Ukraine with Russia involvement.
Depression and suicide have been in the spotlight this week because of the death of actor, Robin Williams.
In other news this week, an atheist group is threatening to sue a high school in Gainesville, GA because coaches are praying with the players on the football team and Bible verses are being put on posters.
I don’t know about you, but with headlines like these, we all need to be praying!
I read the Olivet Discourse in Matthew chapter 24 where Jesus told His disciples…
(Matthew 24:6-12) And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. {7} For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. {8} All these are the beginning of sorrows. {9} Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake. {10} And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. {11} And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. {12} And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.
These are things that will apparently be taking place in the first part of the Tribulation period. And as I read this passage it seems clear to me that many of the awful things that we are seeing in our world now are only a foreshadowing of the terrible things that will take place after the rapture of the church.
But as Robert Winsett wrote over 70 years ago, “JESUS IS COMING SOON!”
In fact, as your Bibles are open to the very last chapter of the very last book, the book of Revelation (Revelation chapter 22), this is the message and the promise that Jesus leaves us with. And He said it three times. In verse 7, and verse 12, and verse 20, Jesus said: “I come quickly.”
Notice Revelation 22, and verse 20. He said, “Surely I come quickly.” And then He said, “Amen!”
And then (as if he is completely in favor of it), the old apostle John who has been penning down this amazing Revelation said, “Even so” (in other words, “YES!”), “come Lord Jesus.”
This morning, I want to consider Jesus’ three “I come quickly” statements in Revelation chapter 22, and I want to preach on the thought that “JESUS IS COMING SOON.”
And drawing from Revelation chapter 22, and verse 7, I would first say that…
I. The Fact That Jesus Is Coming Soon Reminds Us of Our READINESS
Our Response to His Coming Is ACTION
(Revelation 22:7) Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.
A. We Must HEARKEN to the Lord’s PROMISE – We Can Be the BEHOLDING Ones
The angel that has been speaking to John and showing him the holy city and the river of life and the throne of God is no longer speaking in verse 7. But it is the Redeemer Himself who speaks. It is the Lamb and the Lord who speaks. As John Phillips said, “The Lord breaks in, as it were, as though what He had to say was too good to be passed along merely by an angel.” And He says, “Behold, I come quickly.” An accurate paraphrase would be: “Listen, I am coming soon.”
The word “quickly” here means…
quickly – Greek 5035. tachu, takh-oo'; neut. sing. of G5036 (as adv.); shortly, i.e. without delay, soon, or (by surprise) suddenly, or (by impl. of ease) readily:--lightly, quickly.
· There is a personal aspect in this statement, for Jesus says, “I.”
· There is a positive aspect in this statement, for Jesus says, “I AM coming.”
· There is a prompt aspect in this statement, for Jesus says, “I’m coming QUICKLY” (or) “SOON.”
John MacArthur said…
The familiar expression “Here I come, ready or not” could well be applied to Jesus’ second coming.
However, in the Olivet Discourse, Jesus in speaking of His second coming said…
(Matthew 24:44) Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.
And Warren Wiersbe said…
While the interpretation of this section relates to Israel during the Tribulation, we may apply the Word to our own hearts. We do not know when our Lord will return for His church. Therefore, we must be alert, watchful, and faithful.
He’s coming again whether we’re ready or not. But because He has assured us of His coming, I want to be ready and I want to be found faithful when He comes to get us and take us home.
B. We Must HOLD to the Lord’s PROPHECY – We Can Be the BLESSED Ones
“blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book” (Revelation 22:7b)
blessed – Greek 3107. makarios, mak-ar'-ee-os; a prol. form of the poetical makar (mean. the same); supremely blest; by extens. fortunate, well off:--blessed, happy (X -ier).
keepeth – Greek 5083. tereo, tay-reh'-o; from teros (a watch; perh. akin to G2334); to guard (from loss or injury, prop. by keeping the eye upon; and thus differing from G5442, which is prop. to prevent escaping; and from G2892, which implies a fortress or full military lines of apparatus), i.e. to note (a prophecy; fig. to fulfil a command); by impl. to detain (in custody; fig. to maintain); by extens. to withhold (for personal ends; fig. to keep unmarried):-- hold fast, keep. – To obey.
There’s an interesting parallel in the fact that this book of Revelation ends in a similar way to how it began. Consider these verses…
(Revelation 1:3) Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.
(Revelation 22:7) Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.
(Revelation 22:10) And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand.
Albert Barnes said that this statement [Blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book] is for those…
That receives them as a divine communication; that makes use of them to comfort himself in the days of darkness, persecution, and trial; and that is obedient to the precepts here enjoined.
The UBS (United Bible Societies) New Testament Handbook says…
The prophecy of this book may also be expressed as “the words of this book that tell about present and future events” or “what this book tells will happen now and later (or, in the future).”
Our response to the fact of Jesus’ soon coming is holding onto the truth of this book that tells us about these future events that will unfold. Part of being ready for His return is found in the blessed happiness of reading and thus knowing that Jesus ultimately wins, and that we’re on the winning side!
The Fact That Jesus Is Coming Soon Reminds Us of Our READINESS
(And) Our Response to His Coming Is ACTION
But as we look at verse 12, we see that…
II. The Fact That Jesus Is Coming Soon Reminds Us of Our REWARD
Our Response to His Coming Is ANTICIPATION
(Revelation 22:12) And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.
A. There Is a CERTAIN Reward – When He Comes, We’ll Receive What He DECLARES
my reward is with me
reward – Greek 3408. misthos, mis-thos'; appar. a prim. word; pay for service (lit. or fig.), good or bad:--hire, reward, wages.
This is “the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” that Paul mentions in Philippians 3:14. This is the crown of life in 2 Timothy 4:8 which Paul said “the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.”
The Bible Knowledge Commentary says…
In connection with His return, which will be “soon” (cf. vv. 7, 20), a reward is promised to His saints for what they have done for Christ. The reference is to the judgment seat of Christ (mentioned in 2 Corinthians 5:10-11). The final judgments of both the wicked and the righteous will be judgments of works. This is the joyous expectation of those who are faithful and the fear of those who have not been faithful.
John Phillips said…
What a homey, cheerful word is that! Picture a family in which the father has been away for weeks. He has told the children that if they are good, he will bring them presents when he comes home. In the light of that promise the children have put on their best behavior. Then, one night the phone rings and. sure enough, it is Father with the words “I’m coming home. I’ll be there soon and I have kept my promise. I have something for you all. Have you been behaving yourselves?” That is what the Lord is saying here! He’s coming back; He keeps on telling us that as the Book runs quickly toward its end; He is coming back, and His rewards are in His hands.
B. There Is a COMMENSURATE Reward – When He Comes, We’ll Receive What We DESERVE
to give every man according as his work shall be
You’ll notice in verse 11, Jesus says…
(Revelation 22:11) He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.
Adam Clarke said that this verse indicates that…
The time of fulfillment will come so suddenly that there will be but little space for repentance and amendment.
And the UBS (United Bible Societies) New Testament Handbook says that…
This (reward given “to every man” in verse 12) applies to all, the righteous and the evil alike.
John MacArthur said…
When He comes, Jesus will bring His reward with Him, to render to every man according to what he has done. Believers’ eternal rewards will be based on their faithfulness in serving Christ in this life. Their works will be tested, and only those with eternal value will survive (1 Corinthians 3:9-15; 2 Corinthians 5:9-10).
The Welwyn Commentary says…
The reward to the righteous, which as with all Christ’s rewards is a reward of grace, is set forth in verse 14: the glories of salvation, sanctification, and eternal security. … The reward to the unrighteous is set forth in verse 15, beginning with the terrible word (“without”) ‘outside’.
The Fact That Jesus Is Coming Soon Reminds Us of Our READINESS
(And) Our Response to His Coming Is ACTION
And…
The Fact That Jesus Is Coming Soon Reminds Us of Our REWARD
(And) Our Response to His Coming Is ANTICIPATION
But as we look at the end of the chapter, in verses 20 and 21, we see that…
III. The Fact That Jesus Is Coming Soon Reminds Us of Our REASSURANCE
~ Our Response to His Coming Is “AMEN”
(Revelation 22:20–21) He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. {21} The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
A. We Can Say “Amen” To the FUTURE GLORY – He’s COMING!
Even so, come, Lord Jesus.
I mentioned earlier that as we look at Revelation 22, verse 20, we notice that Jesus said, “Surely (a strong affirmation; Yes) I come quickly.” And then He said, “Amen!” which is really a reiteration of the idea of “surely.” And then (as if he is completely in favor of it), the old apostle John who has been penning down this amazing Revelation said, “Even so” (in other words, “YES!”), “come Lord Jesus.”
As one songwriter said, “He’s coming soon. There’s no doubt. I’m gonna’ leave this old world with a shout!”
Adam Clarke said that this affirmation of John [Even so, come, Lord Jesus.] is…
The wish and desire of the suffering church, and of all the followers of God, who are longing for the coming of his kingdom.
B. We Can Say “Amen” To the FAVORABLE GRACE – He CARES!
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
I don’t think it would do any harm to the scripture to insert the words “until then” between verse 20 and 21, so that we could read…
“He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.
(UNTIL THEN), The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.”
Until then, my heart will go on singing. Until then, with joy I’ll carry on.
Until the day my eyes behold the city. Until the day God calls me home.
Until He comes and we experience His glory, ALL of us as God’s children can experience His grace. Amen!
grace – Greek 5485. charis, the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude):--acceptable, benefit, favour, gift, grace (-ious), joy liberality, pleasure, thank (-s, -worthy).
The Welwyn Commentary says…
The book of Revelation, and indeed the whole Bible, could hardly end in any other way. From first to last — all is of grace!
Conclusion
Several years ago, I read this little story. And some of these stories, you don’t know if they’re truth or fiction. I don’t know but what this one didn’t actually happen. Anyway, the story goes that…
A new preacher had just begun his sermon. He was a little nervous and about ten minutes into the talk his mind went blank. He remembered some advice they gave him in seminary school for when a situation like this arose — repeat your last point. Often this will help you remember what should come next. So he gave it a try.
“Behold, I come quickly,” he said. Still his mind was blank. So he tried again, “Behold, I come quickly!” Still nothing.
He tried once more, this time with so much enthusiasm that he tripped over his microphone wire and fell off the stage, right into the lap of a little old lady in the front row.
The young preacher was very embarrassed and tried to apologize, and the woman replied, “That’s all right, young man. It was my fault. … I should have gotten out of the way. You told me three times you were coming!”
Well, Revelation 22 is not fiction this morning. And in this chapter, Jesus has told us three times that He’s coming. I believe that this morning. And the fact that He’s coming reminds us of our READINESS, and it reminds us of our REWARD, and it reminds us of our REASSURANCE.
Can I ask you this morning … if the Lord were to come today, are you ready? First, have you been saved, and do you have a personal relationship with Jesus as your Savior? If you’re saved, are you living in obedience to His Word?
Maybe you’re saved, and you’re really trying to live a life of obedience to Him. But you’ve become discouraged about some things in your life. There’s comfort in the fact that He’s coming, and there’s comfort in the fact that He cares. And if you need to come to the altar and pray this morning, and draw upon His comfort … I invite you to come.