“He who testifies to these things says, ‘Surely I am coming quickly.’ Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:20)
A number of years ago while preaching in a gospel meeting; something happened that changed my life forever.
As I was sitting on the front row and services started, the name was announced for the brother who was to lead us in prayer. Not having been introduced to all the members yet, I didn’t recognize his name.
The building got quiet and the sound of someone shuffling down the center aisle could be heard. Soon the brother caught up with the sound. I looked up and saw an elderly man who was obviously working hard to get to the microphone.
As he proceeded around the Lord’s Table to the microphone, he used the Table as a brace and means of support. Catching his breath and preparing himself to lead our prayer it was obvious he had done this many times in his life.
With a mild and crackling voice he mentioned several things to be thankful for … remembered the names of several members who were sick … he prayed for forgiveness … and he prayed for the success of the meeting.
His voice paused for a brief moment … and then with clarity and strength he offered these words: “We thank Thee oh God for sending Your Son to die for us and live the perfect example for us to see. Lord, we anxiously await Thy Son’s coming!”
It was the way he said it … the way he offered those words up to the Father. You see, this man I would find out when I did get to meet him after the service had lived a long life. He had been blessed by the Lord richly. He had suffered the loss of family and other brothers and sisters in Christ. He had lived a good life!
Was he sour in countenance, critical in his speech, angry in some way with the world? No, this man was not asking for an early exit from life. He was simply expressing the deepest desires of his heart to be with the Lord when the Lord was ready!
I want to go to Heaven when this life is over! I want to be with the Lord forever! How about you?
“Come, Lord Jesus!”
Bill Fairchild, Jr.
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