Is Jesus really coming back?
A global pandemic. Wars and rumors of wars. Increasing violence. Apostasy. Earthquakes. Pestilences. Vaccinations. Trackers. Are these signs of the end times? Many believe so. Others think such a notion is nonsense. What is the appropriate response?
Even in the first century, Christians were looking for the blessed hope of their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ’s return. It saturated their teaching. It permeated their hearts. They were expectant, fully believing that the Lord was faithful to fulfill all He promised.
Fast forward two thousand years, and the Lord has still not returned. When is too long to hold out hope? When is too long to trust in God’s promises?
“…in the last days,” the Apostle Peter wrote to his first-century audience, “scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, ‘Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation’” (2 Peter 3:3-4).
Are you hearing people say that today? If you aren’t hearing the exact phrases, I think it’s safe to say we’re seeing the actions that confirm this belief. Wanting to follow their lusts of the flesh, they find solace in their attempts to discredit God’s Word.
But Peter goes on to say that these same people forget that God is actively involved in our existence here. He has acted in judgment, and He will act again. By His Word, the earth was created, a flood was sent to destroy a wicked humanity, and a fire is coming to destroy the current heavens and earth in a final act of punishment against a godless generation. It IS coming. I will stake my life on that.
So why has Jesus still not returned? Surely two thousand years is a long time to wait, isn’t it? Not for God, who lives outside our constraints of earthly time keeping. To Him, a day is the same as a thousand years (2 Peter 3:8). Time is not his concern. Our souls are. God’s greatest desire is not to destroy. He longs to redeem.
“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).
In this moment, we are still here. Each of us still has the chance to decide. Will we surrender our lives to God, repent of the sin that is inherent in every one of us, and accept the salvation available through Jesus Christ, while there is still time? While His mercy is still being extended? Because when Jesus does return, you won’t have that chance.
“The day of the Lord will come like a thief…” (2 Peter 3:10).
Whether it’s today, tomorrow, or hundreds of years from now, how should we be preparing for His imminent return?
“You ought to live holy and godly lives, as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming” (3:11-12)…”make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him” (3:14).
Get ready. He’s coming. He promised He would.