Come, Jesus, Come

For almost two decades, “Come, Jesus, come” was the common (and loudly spoken) wish of my friend Yay and me. It was always a part of our chit-chats when we met for coffee outside the campus where we were lecturers.

Although several years younger than I am, Yay is nevertheless a senior too. While both in the departure lounge, as we named where we are, “Come, Jesus, come” has been like waiting a little too long. Each time we met, we’d say, “So, we are still waiting.”

“Maybe tomorrow,” we’d laugh in a duet.

“Or the day after!” 

Now that Yay and her husband have moved abroad permanently, we’d message each other about our common prayer. 

Then today, while scrolling through my phone, I heard “Come, Jesus, come” in a song. I sat up listening to the melody and lyrics, and my tear ducts surrendered.  

I researched the song further and discovered it was recorded in the year 2022, and sung by CeCe Winans. Knowing how copyright works, I can’t reprint the lyrics, even if they resembled our own while sipping our coffee.

For the last few days, that song from my phone has been my staple.  I read and re-read the penultimate verse of the Bible (Revelation 22:20 CEV), which records the promise of Jesus and our prayer. 

“The one who has spoken these things says, “I am coming soon!” So, Lord Jesus, please come soon!”

Levels of excitement may vary among believers, but I know many, like me, are ready for the second coming, as though it would be anytime now.

It will be the time of ultimate redemption, restoration, peace, justice: the end of war, suffering, and all wrongs.

Will it be within the next 24 hours? The week? The Month? 

Over time, we have learned to balance eager longing with joyful waiting, recognizing that God's timeline operates differently from mortal time.