The Time Is Near
Scripture Reading — Revelation 22
“Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this scroll, because the time is near.”
Revelation 22:10
Summer is coming soon. Many of us in northern parts of the globe are looking forward to warmer weather, summer vacation, and curling up with a good book. What do you hope to do this summer?
The last chapter of God’s book, the Bible, says something interesting. Jesus’ return is near. He is coming soon. Of course, this is true simply because the clock is always ticking. Christ’s return is always drawing nearer. But John knows that with the saving work of Jesus Christ, God’s kingdom age has burst into our present.
With Christ’s resurrection, the open graves at the end of history have already broken into the present. No wonder we live in great anticipation. “The time is near.”
That’s why we are not to “seal up the words” of this book. To seal them up would be like missing out on the last chapter of a fascinating book you plan to read. A great book is meant to be read to the end. The Bible is meant to be read to the end as well. That’s where we find a message of great joy.
Now is the time for genuine joy. The closer we get to Jesus, the more joyful we are. I hope you have a really joyful life here on earth that looks forward to perfect joy in heaven forever with Jesus.
Jesus, thank you for the joy of living close to you. Please give me a rich, abundant life now and forever—with you. That’s my joy. Amen.
About the author — Jack Gray
Jack Gray recently retired after forty years as a pastor in the Christian Reformed Church. During that time he served seven churches from coast to coast in the United States. He and his wife, Wanda, have four sons and three grandchildren. They also have ministered to 44 foster children. This month’s devotions are inspired by his reflections on time at this transition in his life.
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