Come, Lord Jesus

Revelation 22:12-14,16-17,20-21

The Easter season doesn't end with lilies and alleluias—it ends with a promise. And not just any promise, but the promise of Christ’s return. In these final verses of Revelation, we’re given a glimpse into the heart of our faith: not only do we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus from the grave, but we also look forward to the day when he will return to make all things new.

“See, I am coming soon; my reward is with me, to repay according to everyone’s work.” (Revelation 22:12, NRSV)

These words may stir a mix of feelings—hope, anticipation, maybe even some unease. After all, talk of judgment can be uncomfortable. But in the Easter season, this isn’t meant to be a threat; it’s a reassurance. Christ, the Lamb who was slain and who conquered death, is coming back—not to destroy, but to complete the story. He is coming back to heal, to set right what is broken, and to bring final justice rooted in love.

“Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they will have the right to the tree of life.” (v.14)

This is the Easter message carried to its fullness. Christ’s resurrection is not just a moment in history—it is the opening of the gate to life. Through him, we are invited to participate in the life of God, to be cleansed, renewed, and made part of something eternal.

Jesus speaks directly to the church in these verses, identifying himself as the “root and descendant of David, the bright morning star.” The imagery reminds us that he is both the fulfillment of Israel’s ancient hope and the dawning of a new creation. The morning star appears when the night is at its darkest, signaling that the light of day is near.

In a world still groaning with injustice, war, and heartbreak, we desperately need that morning star. We need to know that the night will not last forever.

And so the Spirit and the church respond:

“The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come.’
And let everyone who hears say, ‘Come.’
And let everyone who is thirsty come.
Let anyone who wishes take the water of life as a gift.” (vv.16-17)

This is the cry of the Easter people. “Come, Lord Jesus.” Not just in the future at the end of time—but now, into our lives, our churches, our communities. Come into our weariness. Come into our joy. Come into our struggle for justice and our hope for peace. Come into our mourning and into our celebrations.

We don’t wait passively. We wait with purpose. We wait as people shaped by the resurrection, living in love, proclaiming Christ’s good news, caring for the poor, and building a world that reflects God’s kingdom. And every act of kindness, every sacrificial love, every effort to feed the hungry or comfort the brokenhearted is a response to the promise: “Surely I am coming soon.”

The Easter season teaches us to live in the in-between. Christ is risen—and Christ will come again. We live in the light of the empty tomb and with our eyes on the horizon.

Until then, we echo the final prayer of Scripture:

“Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!
The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all the saints. Amen.” (vv.20-21)

In this season of resurrection, may we live as people of hope—ready, watching, and always thirsty for the water of life.

Alleluia. Christ is risen. The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia.