And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.
-Revelation 22:17
And the Spirit… The Holy Spirit is active on the earth, laboring to bring souls to Jesus Christ. Since the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit works to “convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment” (John 16:8). This is the core of His activity all over the world. He works, unseen, on the hearts of human beings. Think of His great patience and endurance across two thousand years of drawing, humbling, softening, reviving, awakening, and convincing souls. Now, more than ever, the Holy Spirit has a cry. Speaking to the Lord Jesus, He says, “Come!”
I believe this has two meanings. Surrounded by this spiritual night, which is full of so much sin and death, the Holy Spirit cries out for Jesus to return soon. Laboring in the grotesque night, He longs for the morning! He is working toward and watching for that moment when the Light drives out all darkness, when righteousness overthrows sin completely. In the same way, the Holy Spirit cries out over individuals. He sees souls created in His own image, yet now swallowed up by the darkness of sin. He cries, “Come, Lord Jesus!” You may disagree, but I imagine the Spirit saying to Jesus, “Come, reveal Yourself to this woman.” “Come, make Your home in this man.” He longs for the Bright and Morning Star to rise on this world, but first, within the hearts of people.
...and the bride say, “Come!” This exclamation is not for the selfish or lazy believer who tires of resistance in this life and cares only to grab his ticket into heaven, to retire quickly into a mansion in glory. The true cry comes from fighting in the battle. Jesus’ disciples must work with the Holy Spirit and join Him on His mission. “The Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered” (Romans 8:26). Yes, the Holy Spirit calls out for Jesus’ return, but only because He is doing the work of groaning and interceding for souls, drawing them to eternal life. How much more should we be required to join Jesus on His mission if we want the right to call for His return? The bride has made herself ready, and it is only natural that, in Christlikeness, she does her part to see that others also are made ready for His return.
Be encouraged; this “groaning” of the Spirit mentioned by Paul is specifically for the times when “we do not know what we should pray for as we ought.” If the Holy Spirit dwells in you, you can surrender to Him and ask for His help; He will allow you to pray His heart even when yours fails. His compassionate groanings will come through you. We experience more intimate fellowship with God when we begin to share His concern over someone else’s spiritual well-being.
And let him who hears say, “Come!” If you feel the convicting love of the Spirit and are really willing to heed the words of Jesus, the first reasonable thing to say is, “Come! Don’t stay far off, Lord. Bridge the gap of Your holiness. Come and change me, make me pure and new; be the Friend that sticks closer than a brother!”
And let him who thirsts come. This invitation is for every lost sinner and every dry believer. We not only ask Him to come to us, but we run to Him as well, because the gap is not only His holiness, but also our compromise, distraction, fear, and sin. There is a wide open door. Do you need or desire more of Jesus? Do you long for greater fellowship and communion with the Holy Spirit? Don’t stay away or hold back. With childlike faith, come to Jesus and walk away from any substitutes.
Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely. Do you long for the morning and grieve over the darkness? Do you want the life of Jesus to sustain you as you go through trials and mundane life? Reach your hand out and lay hold of Him. Simply touch the hem of His garment. Say, “I will not let You go until You bless me.” He will not require any payment or performance from you. And, if you really mean it, you will not have to hold on all that long before He does bless you with His Presence.
-Pastor Alex
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