Not gonna lie, there’s something satisfying about finishing up my reading plan each year. And it’s not so much a feeling of self-satisfaction. But it’s the kind of satisfaction you experience after having consumed a great meal at a great banquet put on by a great host. From appetizer to dessert it has been an experience. Memories of the different tastes and flavors linger as you push away from the table, lean back, stretch out your legs, and rub your belly. Fed full and satisfied.

This Book is a feast. Quality (not just quantity) food for the soul. Nothing bland about it. Every course unique. The overall story, however, amazingly cohesive and tied together.

I’m anticipating that next week will be hard to maintain routine as we all head up to the homeland to hang out together for a few days celebrating the birth of our Savior and reflecting on the many reminders of the goodness and faithfulness of our Father. So this morning, I’m savoring the last bites of this great feast I’ve enjoyed over this past year. And the last taste I get from the Book is the promise reminding me that, surely, Jesus is coming soon!

And he said to me, “These words are trustworthy and true. And the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, has sent His angel to show His servants what must soon take place.” “And behold, I am coming soon. Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.” . . .

“Behold, I am coming soon, bringing My recompense with Me, to repay each one for what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” . . .

He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.”

(Revelation 22:6-7, 12-13, 20 ESV)

There’s a lot up for debate when it comes to the prophetic visions John saw and recorded in this book. But one thing is crystal clear. The promise repeated three times in these closing verses. Jesus is coming again . . . and soon!

And the satisfaction of having consumed this present meal pales with the anticipation of a coming day. Knowing that the food of faith served up on this small desk each morning one day will give way to a marriage supper hosted in heaven at a massive table by the Lamb Himself. That what the Spirit brings to the imagination each morning, the Son will soon display before our eyes for all eternity.

For we shall behold Him! For surely He’s coming soon!

And so the Spirit and the Bride say, “Come!”

The one who has ears to hear says, “Come!”

All God’s people cry, “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!”

And so, ending another year by anticipating a new year that could be the year when we see Him face to face . . . and having tasted and seen the Lord is good and thus hungering for the full-meal deal . . . we respond afresh to His invitation:

And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price.

(Revelation 22:17b ESV)

Having been reminded that He is coming soon, we resolve, by His enabling, to come even now. Bringing our thirst, knowing anew that He will satisfy it with His flowing river of life. Without price, remembering again He has paid for it, once for all, through the flowing fountain of His blood.

And so, even as we cry, “Come, Lord Jesus!” His Spirit speaks to ours whispering, “You come too!”

And this too evidence of His eternal grace. And this always for His everlasting glory.