Coming Soon

SERMON TITLE:   “Coming Soon”
SERMON TEXT:    Revelation 22:1-21
PREACHER:           Rev. Kim James
OCCASION:           May 26, 2019, at First UMC  (Memorial Dedication/Heritage Day)
 
 
INTRODUCTION
 
                A couple weeks ago, I noticed that there was a new business development under construction along Highway 89 just south of Ogden.  Then this past week, I read an article about a new cookie store and some other businesses that will soon be opening up in Riverdale.  And a few days ago, when I was on 2700 North in Pleasant View, I saw a property that was being constructed.  Out front there was one of those big signs that announced some kind of medical building was “coming soon.” 
                Whenever we see or hear about new activity like that, it piques our interest.  I suppose a “coming soon” message could be considered as bad news, kind of like those digital highway signs that indicate future traffic delays due to road construction.  But even those advance warnings are meant to help us plan extra time or alternate routes, so we can have the best possible outcome during and after the construction project.  As a general rule, “coming soon” announcements are intended to be good news, wise advice, and a hopeful promise of what is on the way. 
                I think that’s what the writer of the Book of Revelation was intending in chapter 22 when he wrote that Jesus was coming soon.  Throughout two millennia of Christianity, the Book of Revelation has often been misunderstood, considered frightening, or even used to threaten certain groups of people.  But that really isn’t why the book was written.  It was meant much more to be a positive and victorious word of hope.  So, this morning, I invite you to consider this passage with me, so we can find comfort and encouragement in the belief that Jesus is coming soon. 

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