"Even so, come Lord Jesus."

People want things to happen.

"If only I could get that."

"If this promotion would finally come, then..."

Many of us hear from those close to us what will NOT come.

There's no need to repeat here the negative comments we've heard through the years.

It seems to be a rare treat when a family member, friend, colleague, or a stranger communicates a positive word that gives us hope, something to hang on to, that what we desire will come to us.

Years ago while I flipped through TV channels, I saw an elderly minister seated on a chair.

I tuned in just as he had finished a prayer in a foreign language.

He then placed a few fingers of one hand on his forehead as he leaned on the chair's armrest. Perhaps, he needed to support himself due to age, illness, or other burdens.

I still get tears thinking about it.

With his head slightly bowed, he prayed in his language the equivalent of,

"Come, Lord Jesus."

It seemed that he longed for the day when Jesus would return and the cares of this world Mark 4:18-19 would be over.

Is this desire just for old ministers?

Consider the following for believers --

We should live like that while we wait for our great hope and the coming of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ. Titus 2:13

For we know that if our earthly tent which is our house is torn down, we have a building from God, a house not made by hands, eternal in the heavens. For indeed, in this tent we groan, longing to be clothed with our dwelling from heaven, since in fact after putting it on, we will not be found naked. For indeed, we who are in this tent groan, being burdened, because we do not want to be unclothed but to be clothed, so that what is mortal will be swallowed up by life. 2 Corinthians 5:1-4

But I [Paul] am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better; yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sakes. Philippians 1:23-24

But we are citizens of heaven. And we can hardly wait for a Savior from there. He is the Lord Jesus Christ. He has the power to bring everything under His control. By His power He will change our earthly bodies. They will become like His glorious body. Philippians 3:20-21

Even Jesus Himself prayed,

"Father, I desire that they also, whom You have given Me, be with Me where I am, so that they may see My glory which You have given Me, for You loved Me before the foundation of the world." John 17:24

I like to read a passage from the Bible in the King James Version because it seems to indicate that when Jesus comes again as He descends from heaven to receive His own to Himself, He shouts!

For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17

Finally, the Father waited long enough James 5:7-8; 2 Peter 3:9 and it was time to be with those He suffered, died, and rose again for. 2 Corinthians 5:14-15; 1 Peter 2:21-24

Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in Me. [Jesus] My Father's house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with Me that you also may be where I am. John 14:1-3

John was one of the Lord Jesus Christ's original 12 disciples. Matthew 4:21-22; 10:1-2 He wrote that he and others saw the Savior's glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14

John had leaned on Jesus' breast at the Last Supper. John 13:23; 21:20, 24

John had heard, his eyes had seen, he had looked upon, and handled that which was from the beginning, the Word of Life. 1 John 1:1-2

John saw the resurrected Jesus and along with the others there, was told by Jesus to handle Him and see because a spirit didn't have flesh and bones that they saw He had. Luke 24:38-40

John and some other disciples were served bread and fish by Jesus in another post-resurrection meeting. John 21:9-14

John saw the glorified Savior, heard His voice, Revelation 1:12-16 and had the Lord's right hand placed upon him as He said,

"Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last. I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death." Revelation 1:17-18

Jesus received revelation from God the Father and sent His angel to communicate this to John Revelation 1:1-2 who was to write it in a book and send it to certain churches, Revelation 1:10-11 which we have as the Bible's New Testament book of Revelation. Revelation 22:18-19

So, John had more spiritual experiences than most.

Was John a successful leader of a large congregation, famous for his relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ and his spiritual writings?

History tells us that John was banished to an island for his faith.

John affirmed this --

I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. Revelation 1:9

John could have been by himself.

As the Lord wrapped up His revelation given to John, He said,

"Surely I come quickly." Revelation 22:20

John's reply says what's in my heart.

How about you?

"Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus." Revelation 22:20

Your thoughts?

R. Jason