Have you ever yearned for Jesus’ return? Have you ever wanted to see Him or enjoy heaven with Him? Maybe you’ve felt like Paul and your desire to be with Him competes with your desire to serve Him on earth (see 2 Corinthians 5). Or maybe you’ve been through so much hell on earth that you can’t wait for your eternal vacation in heaven.
Why hasn’t Jesus returned? It’s getting harder to be a Christian, and sometimes we wonder why He hasn’t delivered us from life’s turmoil. If you’re curious about the delay, then Peter provides the rationale: “The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent” (2 Peter 3:9, New Living Translation). Jesus hasn’t forgotten about us; rather, His love for us makes Him wait. He doesn’t want anyone to miss the opportunity of eternity; He wants everyone to live with Him in heaven.
As I thought about the delay, I couldn’t help praising Him. At one point, I wasn’t ready for His return. Aren’t you glad He didn’t come back when He could have? Aren’t you glad He delayed His return for you? Just imagine the eternal fate you could have had, and I guarantee you’ll be thankful!