Bible Reading: Numbers 30; Psalm 74; Isaiah 22; 2 Peter 3
The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9)
Peter tells us that unbelievers will give up on the Lord's promise to return. In the last days, Peter says scoffers will say that everything goes on just as it was from the beginning of creation. The interesting thing is that the second coming of Jesus was prophesied by Enoch thousands of years ago.
And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him. (Jude 1:14-15)
Have you given up on the return of Jesus? Oh, whatever you do – don't quit looking for Jesus to return. He has promised and he will do it!
In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. (John 14:2-3)
Even though it has been about two thousand years since that promise was made, don't give up. The Bible tells us that the Lord is not slack concerning this promise. He has not returned yet with good reason. He is longsuffering toward mankind. He has not yet returned because he wants everyone to come to repentance. The Lord's delay in returning is grace to a lost world! When Jesus returns to get his church in the rapture, the Great Tribulation will begin here on earth. The Bible tells us that people will be saved during that time, but many people will die very quickly and will perish.
Don't give up on the promise of Jesus! Remember why you are still here – to tell people about the grace of God shown toward us in Jesus Christ. Let the Lord's delay be your urgency! Soon he will return and take his church to heaven. Until then, let us have the same desire that our Lord has – for all to come to repentance. If this is our desire, then let's tell people of the goodness of God.
Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? (Romans 2:4)
Jesus' delay in coming is a delay in judgment for the unbelieving. That means God is still giving them a chance to hear, believe and call upon him to be saved. Don't give up, get out and preach Jesus!
In Christ,
Rody
