Matthew Westerholm has noted that many churches no longer sing about Christ’s second coming as they used to.

But Paul (1 Thess 4:18) says that Christians should ‘encourage one another’ with the message of our Saviour’s return.

One simple means of encouragement is found right at the end of the Bible:

Rev 22:20 – ‘Amen.  Come, Lord Jesus.’

1. Our Final Hope

“Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.”  Our ultimate hope is not in a political party, a pragmatic paradigm, or a popular programme.  It is in a person.

Jesus is the most powerful (Mk 4:41), the most wise (Jn 7:46), and yet also the happiest (Jn 15:11) and the humblest (Isa 53:7) person.

His prayer, and our ultimate goal, is to enjoy his presence for ever (Jn 17:24).

2. Our Risen Lord

“Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.”  He was Lord in his death: no one could take it from him; he laid it down vuluntarily (Jn 10:18).  Death has no dominion over him (Rom 6:9).  Through his death, he has disarmed all other rulers and authorities and put them to shame (Col 2:15).  He is Lord over death: his resurrection established his cosmi authority (Mt 28:18).  How much more will his return in glory display his sovereign rule!

3. Our Great Desire

“Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.” Of course, the time and manner of our Lord’s return is beyond our control.

For some, that return will be dreadful (Rev 1:7).  But for those who love him, it will bring final deliverance (Heb 9:28).  It is our ‘blessed hope (Tit 2:13).

4. Our Constant Prayer

“Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.” This fallen world canot be rescued by human ingenuity or effort.  Therefore, the church prays for Christ’s final redemptive acts.  And so, as we gather in various places and times, let us look beyond the plane of our earthly perspective, and lift up our eyes and voiced to our living, loving and returning Lord.

Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!

(Based on this article)