This passage speaks of the present moral darkness, and the prophetic word that sheds light in the midst of that darkness. This prophetic word is Christ’s coming in judgment to establish His kingdom over the earth; it is the Day of the Lord. But for us, we already see the morning star, waiting for Christ’s return to take us to Himself, according to His promise.

When we consider the aspect of the present darkness, this brings to mind Isaiah’s words: “‘Watchman, what of the night? Watchman, what of the night?’ The watchman said, ‘The morning comes, and also the night’” (Isa. 21:11–12). It is not very difficult to see that everywhere in this world this moral darkness is thickening more and more, day by day; and the closer the morning comes—the closer we get to the Lord’s coming—the more the cold of the night is felt. These things make us realize in the most tangible way that we do not belong here.

Regarding our Lord’s promise to come and take us with Him, we know that the Lord “is longsuffering towards us,” for He does not want “that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Pet. 3:9). Is there anyone who does not know Him yet? “Let him who hears say, ‘Come!’ And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely” (Rev. 22:17). “Behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Cor. 6:2).

For those of us who can say by the Holy Spirit, “Lord Jesus,” let us also say “Come!” For “the Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’” And let us pray for the salvation of many, while shining the light of Jesus around us by the various means of God’s operation in us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, encourage one another so our love does not grow cold, and carry on faithfully, waiting for His coming!