Even So, Come, Lord Jesus
By Francis M. Wilcox
To the apostle John, as a representative of the church of God, the Lord Jesus promised, “Surely I come quickly.” John, representing the church, responds, “Even so, come, Lord Jesus.” This response by the beloved disciple truly illustrates the feeling of God’s children. The cry, Come! Come! has been the longing, heartfelt prayer of the church of God in every age. Emphatically it is the cry of the church to-day. The believers are orphans in this world. Their Father and their Friend has taken a long journey. He has assigned to every man his work. He has said to his children, “Occupy till I come;” “Go work to-day in my vineyard,” “and whatsoever is right I will give you.” Long years has the church labored. Through long centuries has it contended with principalities and powers. It has been beaten and buffeted, persecuted and destroyed, by the powers of evil. Its fondest hopes have been disappointed, its plans miscarried, its purposes seemingly defeated. Might has ruled where right should have borne sway. It has seemed at times as if the light of truth would be extinguished in a sea of darkness, but God has had a care for his chosen ones. His eye has followed his church through the wanderings of the ages. He is grieved at her sorrows. But with patience born of infinite grace, the heavenly Watcher still waits the full development of sin’s history, the final perfection of his suffering church. The time of fulness has almost been reached, the cup of iniquity is well-nigh full. God’s work of grace is nearing completion in the earth. The elements and influences at work presage a speedy dissolution of sin and a speedy restoration of righteousness. Let us be patient a little longer. Soon he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. Let us pray for that glad day; but as we pray, let us work. Thus, co-operating with heavenly influences, we shall hasten the time of our Master’s return, speeding the hour when we shall be able to say, “Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the Lord; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation.”