Thesis 94 We Must Pray, Maranatha, Lord Jesus
I used to say “Last things last.” Eschatology was, I knew, not easy. I figured I, and others, should master the easier stuff before moving on. Eventually I came to understand that when God reveals something to us we have no business saying, “I’ll get to that later.” I came to understand that eschatology matters, that understanding both where we are and where we are going are necessary to know which way to go. I’ve never, however, lost sight of the first truth of eschatology, we ought to be praying for Jesus to come. Were Jesus to come today, in the twinkling of an eye my eschatology would change and my heart would rejoice.
Martin Luther was once asked what he would do today if he knew Jesus were coming tomorrow “Plant a tree” was his provocative response. I embrace the wisdom that says we must not pick a date, sell all we have and wait for Him, camping on a hill. As the exiles in Babylon were encouraged to put down roots, so are we as we await a better country. I also embrace, however, absolute confidence that when He comes everything not wood, hay or stubble will survive into the new heavens and the new earth (I Cor. 15).
All of which is why, as we labor diligently for the future of the church, as we seek to see her re-formed, washed with the water of the Word, we still pray with joy, fervency and hope, “Come, Lord Jesus.” Nothing will re-form the church more fully, more immutably, more gloriously than the consummation of the kingdom.
The book of Revelation, whatever mysteries we still don’t understand, reveals parallels between the circumstances in the days in which it was written and our own days. The church was weak and compromised. The world was pressing hard on the church as persecutions began to ramp up. Into the midst of that situation the Spirit led John to reveal the glorious truth that Jesus was already on His throne ruling and that He would, in the end, bring all things under subjection. The saints receiving this message, then and now, are encouraged to be of good cheer, to move into the future with boldness. Just as the martyrdom of Stephen was a great victory for the kingdom, so is the death of every saint, precious in the sight of the Lord.
For the dead, there is no more dying. For the living when Christ returns, there is no more dying. For the dead, there is the unveiled presence of God. For the living when Christ returns, there is the unveiled presence of God. For the dead, there is rest. For the living when Christ returns, there is rest. For the dead in His presence, they cry out from beneath the altar, “Go, Lord Jesus.” For the living, we cry out from His footstool, “Come, Lord Jesus.” Together, the bride cries “Come.”