“Amen. Come Lord Jesus!”
— Revelation 22:20b
Dear Church Family,
As the book of Revelation, and indeed the whole of scripture, comes to a close, one final prayer is recorded: “Come, Lord Jesus.”
Not a doctrine, not a debate—just a longing for the church to live today as if heaven has already arrived as all of history moves towards Christ’s return and the complete fulfillment of God’s promises of renewal, restoration, and resurrection.
As we come to my final Sunday as your Senior Pastor, I can think of no better word to leave with you than this ancient yet ever-new prayer. It is the cry of a people waiting—not passively, but faithfully—for the One who is coming to make all things new.
In Revelation 22, the very last chapter of Scripture, we hear an invitation echoing across the ages: The Spirit and the Church say, “Come.” All who are thirsty are invited to come and drink. Jesus says, “Surely I am coming soon.”
The story doesn’t end with a period. It ends with anticipation—with a world still waiting, a Church still shining, and a people still praying.
This Sunday we’ll gather in worship one last time under my leadership, and remember that the mission of this church continues with urgency and purpose. The work is not complete. You are still called to be light in the heart of Houston; still called to welcome the stranger, comfort the broken, proclaim good news, and prepare the way of the Lord.
There is still healing to offer.
Still justice to seek.
Still mercy to give.
Still neighbors to love.
My prayer for First UMC as we wait for the return of Jesus is to live like a lighthouse in the center of the city – continuing to send out a steady, hopeful beacon to welcome all who are seeking hope and a home in Christ.
As I step away from my role at the end of June, I leave with deep confidence in what God will continue to do through you under the leadership of my friend, Pastor Lindsay Kirkpatrick. I do so because it has never been just about me, or any one leader. It has always been about Christ in you; about the One who says:
“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.”
“Surely I am coming soon.”
I will write again before I take leave of my office on June 30th, but for now – for today – let’s pray together:
Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
With Gratitude and Hope,
Pastor Lance