“Tell me: Do you know when Jesus is coming again? No, young man, I don’t know, but someone else said the other day that things are so bad in the world right now that the Lord is probably already standing at the world’s front door.” 

“My brother, my brother! Why do you still believe in that nonsense? Two thousand years ago, people already wrote in the Bible that Jesus’ coming was around the corner. Well, after all these years I still haven’t seen anything happen …” 

I’ve heard similar conversations myself. Some from people who really want to know. Some are from people who’re afraid they are not ready. Others blatantly mock and then even snort at it. 

Let’s be honest with one another: No one knows when Jesus will show up again. Jesus says in Matthew 24:36 that we do not know the exact hour, minute or second of the second coming. 

Surprisingly, He says that He does not even know when He will return. Only God knows. Now just accept that and calm down. God will send Jesus back to earth at the right time. 

If the time was right, God would’ve sent Jesus long ago. God has been ready to send Jesus for a long time, but I suspect that it’s because some people are not ready yet that the second coming is postponed again and again. 

What was the reason why God sent Jesus to earth? Jesus had to come and tell the people about God. Jesus had to come to demonstrate God’s great love for us sinful people, but even more: He had to come and show God’s love for every person on earth by dying on the cross. 

Many got it. God’s act of love touched many. Many heard, saw, experienced, raised their hands, and came to repentance. However, many people are still missing the point. 

God wants to give mankind another chance. He so badly wants all of humanity to grasp and understand Jesus’ act of mercy on the cross and make it part of their lives. He wants them to raise their hands and accept Jesus as their Saviour. 

That’s why Jesus’ coming is kept on hold. 

 9God isn’t late with his promise as some measure lateness. He is restraining himself on account of you, holding back the End because he doesn’t want anyone lost. He’s giving everyone space and time to change. 

It is this simple. Jesus would’ve come a long time ago if there were not so many who would miss the train if Jesus were to arrive here today. 

However, let’s also do our part and show others what Jesus’ act of salvation has done for us. Let our way of life bring Jesus’ coming closer. Let our lives point others to Jesus so they too will yearn for Him and accept Him as their Saviour. 

Scripture
2 Peter 3:8-13 

Reflection
Do you expect Jesus to return to earth at any moment?
When do you want Him to come again?
How can you direct others to Jesus? 

Prayer
Jesus, thank you for having been here on earth. Thank you for coming again. Help me to direct others to You. Amen.