Lyrics
How long, O Lord
Shall we wait for the end?
Darkness covers the earth
The earth is mine, its broken
Hope is spinning away
Evil laughing
Love is dying
Our cries rise to the throne
O see our time
Come Jesus, come
[Chorus]
Come Jesus, come
Messiah take your crown
Messiah take your crown
Stretch your hand, shine your light
Let your kingdom come at last
Hallelujah
Praise the King of Kings
The story behind the song
Some songs are born out of joy. Others are born out of longing.
Messiah, Take Your Crown was written while reflecting on the brokenness of our world. We see wars, injustice, suffering, and a creation that groans under the weight of sin. Generation after generation has asked the same question:
”How long, O Lord?”
This song echoes that ancient cry. It is the longing of God’s people for the day when Jesus Christ will return—not as the suffering Servant, but as the victorious King.
The chorus is a declaration of hope. It looks beyond the darkness of today and toward the promise of God’s coming Kingdom—a Kingdom where righteousness, peace, and love will reign forever.
Until that day, we continue to pray the words Jesus taught His disciples:
”Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”
May this song lift your eyes above today’s troubles and remind you that history is moving toward a glorious destination. The King is coming, and His Kingdom will have no end.
”The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever.”
— Revelation 11:15
Biblical reflection
When darkness seems to cover the earth and hope feels fragile, an ancient cry rises from the hearts of God’s people:
”How long, O Lord?”
Scripture does not silence this question. Instead, it gives us words for our waiting. Throughout the Psalms, God’s people cry out in both sorrow and faith, trusting that the Lord hears every prayer.
”How long, Lord? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me?”
— Psalm 13:1
Yet lament is never the final word. Every cry of God’s people is carried before His throne, where hope is born again.
The Bible points us beyond today’s brokenness to the glorious return of Jesus Christ. In the final chapter of Scripture, the Holy Spirit and the Church join together in one united prayer:
”The Spirit and the bride say, ’Come!'”
— Revelation 22:17
And Jesus answers with a promise that has sustained believers throughout the centuries:
”Behold, I am coming soon.”
— Revelation 22:12
When we pray, ”Come, Jesus,” we are not escaping the world—we are placing our hope in God’s future. We acknowledge the pain of the present while looking forward to the day when Christ will reign in righteousness, wipe away every tear, and make all things new.
That is why Jesus taught His disciples to pray:
”Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”
— Matthew 6:10
Every time we pray these words, we confess that Jesus alone is the true King. We long for the day when every knee will bow, every tongue will confess His name, and His Kingdom of peace, justice, and love will fill the earth forever.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, You see our time.
Hear our cries, strengthen our hope, and keep our eyes fixed on You.
May Your light shine in our darkness, Your peace rule in our hearts, and Your Kingdom come—in us and through us.
Until the day You return in glory, help us to remain faithful.
Amen.
