The Prayer to End All Prayers: "Come, Lord Jesus!"
Introduction
The final prayer recorded in the Bible is one of its shortest yet profoundly deep. It encapsulates a range of human emotions—heartache and anticipation, distress and hope, agony and joy. These three simple words, "Come, Lord Jesus," resonate with the Apostle John, who found solace in them while exiled on the harsh island of Patmos. This prayer, found in Revelation 22:20, represents the culmination of John's longing for Jesus amidst his suffering. As we explore this prayer, we uncover its rich layers and its enduring significance for believers facing the harsh realities of life.
The Setting of the Prayer
John, known as the disciple whom Jesus loved, wrote these words while exiled on Patmos, an island used by the Romans to banish criminals. The barren, rocky landscape of Patmos was more than just a prison; it symbolized the consequences of sin and the curse upon the earth. Suffering has a way of highlighting the world's brokenness, making us more acutely aware of sin's impact. In this desolate environment, John's prayer, "Come, Lord Jesus," becomes a powerful cry for redemption and restoration.
The Multi-Faceted Prayer
The prayer "Come, Lord Jesus" is not merely a plea for relief but a tapestry of many prayers woven into one. Each thread represents a different aspect of the Christian hope, revealing what will happen when Christ returns.
Drying Our Tears
"Come, Lord Jesus, and dry our tears." Followers of Jesus are not immune to sorrow; in fact, they often face more tribulation. Jesus himself warned, "In the world you will have tribulation" (John 16:33). However, Revelation 21:4 promises a future where "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes." This promise assures us that the trials, distress, and persecution we face will eventually give way to eternal joy. In that future world, tears will be a thing of the past.
Ending Our Pain
"Come, Lord Jesus, and put an end to our pain." Many endure chronic physical pain or emotional heartache, longing for relief. Revelation 21:4 continues, "Neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore." Imagine the profound transformation when those who have suffered for decades awaken to a world free from pain. The absence of pain will allow us to experience the world with a new sense of joy and wonder.
Defeating Death
"Come, Lord Jesus, and put death to death." Jesus came to conquer death. Hebrews 2:14-15 states, "Through death, he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery." The fear of death has enslaved humanity, but Christ's death and resurrection have broken its hold. When Jesus returns, death itself will be abolished (Revelation 21:4). The Author of life will put an end to death forever.
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Eradicating Sin
"Come, Lord Jesus, and rid us of sin." Sin separates us from God, and for God to dwell with us, sin must be eradicated. Revelation 21:3 declares, "Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man." This can only be fulfilled if sin is removed entirely. When Christ returns, he will purify us, making us holy and sinless, so we can fully experience God's presence. Sin will no longer lurk in our hearts or the world around us.
Making All Things New
"Come, Lord Jesus, and make it all new." Revelation 21:1 envisions a "new heaven and a new earth." Everything afflicted by sin and suffering will be transformed. Whatever fears, trials, and sorrows plague us now will be replaced with eternal peace and joy. The new creation will be free from fear, mourning, endurance, and confession. It will be a world beyond our wildest dreams, filled with God's perfect love and righteousness.
The Heart of the Prayer
At its core, "Come, Lord Jesus" is a prayer for the presence of Christ. The ultimate hope of believers is not merely relief from suffering but the joy of being with Jesus. The book of Revelation repeatedly emphasizes Christ's imminent return. In Revelation 22, Jesus promises three times, "Behold, I am coming soon" (verses 7, 12, 20). John's response, "Come, Lord Jesus," reflects his deep longing to be with his Savior.
His Presence is Paradise
John's vision in Revelation 1:12-16 paints a glorious picture of the risen Christ. His hair white as snow, eyes like fire, feet like burnished bronze, and face shining like the sun. This vision underscores that the world to come is desirable because Jesus is there. Revelation 21:3 highlights this truth: "Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man." The presence of God defines paradise. Without Him, even the most perfect world would be lacking.
Randy Alcorn eloquently expresses this longing in his book "Heaven": "Nothing is more often misdiagnosed than our homesickness for Heaven. We think that what we want is ... a new car, a cabin in the woods, a condo in Hawaii. What we really want is the person we were made for, Jesus, and the place we were made for, Heaven. Nothing less can satisfy us."
An Invitation to All
While John's brief prayer is memorable, it is not the only invitation in Revelation 22. The chapter also extends a warm invitation to those who are weary, suffering, and spiritually thirsty. Revelation 22:17 says, "The Spirit and the Bride say, 'Come.' And let the one who hears say, 'Come.' And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price."
As we anticipate Christ's return, we also extend this invitation to others. Isaiah 55:1-2 offers a similar invitation: "Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! ... Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food." This invitation promises a future where we will eat, drink, and enjoy without end, where hunger and thirst will be distant memories.
Conclusion
The prayer "Come, Lord Jesus" is a profound expression of Christian hope. It encapsulates our longing for relief from suffering, the end of pain, the defeat of death, the eradication of sin, and the renewal of all things. More than that, it is a heartfelt cry for the presence of Jesus, who is the source of all our joy and fulfillment. As we face the challenges of life, let us hold fast to this prayer, knowing that a better world is coming—a world defined by the presence of our Savior. Until then, we extend the invitation to all who thirst, inviting them to join us in the anticipation of His glorious return.