204. REV 22:20. LONGING FOR CHRIST

Rev_22:20. Longing for Christ

PART III

Rev_22:20

Having applied the text, I. To the State of the Penitent Inquirer. And, II. To the State of the Believer in the various circumstances of life. We shall now,

III. Consider it as the Language of the Christian when approaching the Gates of Death.

And the Christian must die as well as other men. But his death is gain. It is the entrance upon undying life. He dies in Christ. And he dies joyously, exclaiming: "Even so, come, Lord Jesus!" He desires Christ to come, and,

1. Finish all his gracious work within him.

All evil must now be annihilated. Every root of bitterness torn up. Every unhallowed desire annihilated. Every grace completed. Every qualification perfected. Mind full of light and joy. Heart full of comfort and peace. Spirit full of holiness and love. Title to heaven clear. Evidence of the divine favor bright. Hope of glory luminous. Top-stone of salvation’s work ready to be fixed with shoutings of, Grace, &c. He says,

2. Come, Lord Jesus, and strengthen me for the last struggle.

Thou hast ever been on my right hand, and I have never been moved. But this conflict is with an unknown, an untried adversary. He is nature’s great abhorrence’97king of terrors’97the last enemy. His attack, too, is when I am weakest. Oh, then, Lord, undertake thou for me. Let the ensign of thy cross wave before my eyes. Let me read thy illustrious title as the Resurrection and Life of thy people. Let me view death among the chartered blessings of thy redeeming grace Let thy presence illumine, cheer, comfort, and guide me through the valley of death. "Come, Lord Jesus." All else fails. Earth recedes. Time with me ends. Eternity dawns "O Death, where is thy sting?" &c.

3. Come, Lord Jesus, and receive me to thy presence and glory.

My tabernacle is dissolving’97my earthly house failing’97fulfil thy promise’97receive me to thyself, thy kingdom, our Father’s house, the mansions of bliss and glory. My day of labor is ended’97give me the promised penny. My race is terminated’97let me touch the blessed goal, and receive the never-fading wreath. The toil is over, and the warfare finished’97now bestow the crown of glory, &c. "Come, Lord Jesus," as my Captain, and give me a place among the conquering hosts’97as my Bridegroom, and receive me to the eternal embraces of thy bosom’97as my Elder Brother, and let me share the inheritance, sit down on thy throne, and be glorified with thee, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit, and save me forever.

And Christ will come to his dying people. He will be near. He will hear and he will save them. He will’97he cannot fail in aught he has promised. And he will give them a place among the company of the redeemed in heaven forever and ever.

Application

(1) Have we sought the favor of Christ’97and do we enjoy it? (2) Do we seek his grace on all occasions? Do we live to him, and enjoy fellowship with him? (3) Then be assured, he will cheer us in sorrow, deliver us in trouble, and at death glorify us with his own glory forever and ever. "Even so; come, Lord Jesus!" "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen."

Autor: JABEZ BURNS