A Quick Return

I heard a “sermon” a couple of weeks ago where the guest speaker made a comment about Jesus’ words: I am coming quickly.  The speaker asked, “Was it just a sick joke?”  

The question was left unresolved and the rest of his sermon seemed unrelated to this question.  But it suddenly struck me that many people have made similar statements about Jesus’ promise.  

But I think this statement has been quite misunderstood by so many.  Jesus didn't say he was coming "right away."  He said He would come "quickly."  In other words, when it is time for Him to return, it will be a swift arrival.  

Here's the evidence to substantiate such a claim:

ἀντιδίκῳ σου ταχὺ ἕως ὅτου

I rest my case.  See you tomorrow.  

I know.  I know.  That just looks Greek to you, doesn’t it?  

It’s because it is Greek.  

The original Greek word for “quickly” is ταχὺ.  

That same word is used only 12 times in the New Testament.  And every time it’s used, it implies swift action that takes place all at once; right away.  

Matthew 5:25.  Make friends ταχὺ [quickly] with your opponent.  

Matthew 28:7  Go ταχὺ [quickly] and tell His disciples…

Luke 15:22  He said to his servant, go ταχὺ [quickly] and bring him a robe.

Every one of these verses gives me the visual that a command is issued and then it must be followed through very quickly.  Like, no more delay. 

Isn’t Jesus waiting for His father to command these words?  It’s time.  Go and bring my children home.

But about the day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.  Matthew 24:36; Mark 13:32

When God the Father utters the command, Jesus will NOT delay.  He will move swiftly!  There is no need for delay.  Why dilly-dally at this point?  Do it fast!  Move!  Bring them home!

THAT is what Jesus was saying!  And John knew it.  That’s why He wrote it down over and over and over.  

Revelation 2:16.  I am coming to you ταχὺ…

Revelation 3:11.  I am coming ταχὺ…

Revelation 11:14.  Woe is coming ταχὺ…

Revelation 22:7.  I am coming ταχὺ…

Revelation 22:20.  I am coming ταχὺ.  Amen.  (2nd to last verse in the Bible, by the way.)

If you were waiting for your bride, would you delay?  When God, the Father, says, Go!  Go get your bride!  Would you dawdle?  No!  You wouldn’t.  

Jesus is awaiting His Father’s word to come back and restore His bride to Him.  And He will do it VERY swiftly.  Rapidly.  Suddenly.  Hastily.  Hurriedly.  He can hardly wait!

When the time comes for Him to return, we won’t have time to think about whether we will defend Him or stand for Him or whether our relationship with Him is sufficient.  There will be no more time to make decisions.  We are rapidly coming into that time when there will be no more time. 

I promise that those who have accepted His promise of a relationship with Him will see that promise as the most promising promise that we could possibly imagine!  Wow, that's a lot of promises.

Even so, come, Lord Jesus.  (Rev. 22:20)