“I Am The Apha And The Omega”

“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.”

The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.

I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll. And if anyone takes words away from this scroll of prophecy, God will take away from that person any share in the tree of life and in the Holy City, which are described in this scroll.

He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.”

Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.

The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen.

Revelation 22:12-21

There are a number of Bible stories focused on waiting: Abraham waiting for a child; The Israelites waiting for deliverance from Egypt. Prophets waiting for a fulfillment of their own predictions. The disciples waiting for Jesus to act like they anticipated. Jesus final words at the end of the Revelation are, “I am coming quickly.”

Here’s the question we should ask ourselves: As we wait, why are we so often fearful and anxious? We can act on the good news we say we believe. What is faith in God, after all, but believing in advance what will only make sense in reverse?

Waiting tries our faith and so we wait in hope.

Our Daily Bread – August 18, 2014