At least, that might be what my daughter thought. In our efforts to teach time management, we introduced an old-school kitchen timer to the kids. You know, the kind where you turn the dial and it ticks away with a big “Brrring!” at the end. Perhaps, full of wishful thinking, my little girl set the timer for a couple of minutes and then ran to me, proudly announcing, “Daddy, I set the timer for Jesus to come back!” When the King of Kings did not return at the appointed time, I tried to explain to my puzzled little girl how the Bible told us that although no one would know the exact day and time, Jesus (and Daniel) did give ample prophetic signs that would precede His coming to Earth again, especially, since 1948, when Israel became a nation again after 2 millennia. Bible scholars have recognized that the countdown of prophecy has begun its inevitable march and that Jesus’ return for His followers could take place any moment now
If you’d like just a few references and to see some of these spelled out, click here.
In any case, I can relate to my daughter. I, too, find that Jesus’ sense of timing is often very different than mine. When I want to take life slow and easy, He often wants me to take a bold leap of faith. When I want Him to answer my request right away, He often takes His sweet time. Honestly, I really thought I’d be 100% recovered from the stroke by now. The journey toward healing is longer, more grueling, and an awful lot slower than I thought. Then there was the time we found out about an amazing new treatment for stroke victims only available in Florida. That was right before Covid-19 broke out, obliterating our hopes of traveling to the Sunshine state for this miracle cure. What is taking God so long to heal me?
Maybe you can relate. With this Covid-19 thing, many are weary and anxious to get back to some kind of normalcy. Perhaps, you know of someone personally, who has fallen to this terrible virus. Maybe you are fearful for a friend or relative (We happen to have elderly parents and small children). Maybe your business or livelihood is threatened. Perhaps you are appalled at all the social, racial, and political unrest and injustice so prevalent around us.
Allow me to share with you a passage I’m trying (not always successfully) to apply to my own life.
James 5:7-10 (NLT)
Dear brothers and sisters, be patient as you wait for the Lord’s return. Consider the farmers who patiently wait for the rains in the fall and in the spring. They eagerly look for the valuable harvest to ripen. You, too, must be patient. Take courage, for the coming of the Lord is near. Don’t grumble about each other, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. For look—the Judge is standing at the door!
For examples of patience in suffering, dear brothers and sisters, look at the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. We give great honor to those who endure under suffering. For instance, you know about Job, a man of great endurance. You can see how the Lord was kind to him at the end, for the Lord is full of tenderness and mercy.
Maybe it seems you’re waiting an awful long time for your “ship to come in.” That makes two of us! Let me close with this story.
Many years ago a retired missionary was coming home after a difficult, lonely, and sacrificial life time of service overseas. Returning on the same ship, there also happened to be a prominent head of state. As they prepared to disembark, the missionary noticed boisterous activity on the dock. There was a decorated platform, a gathering of dignitaries, a small but excited crowd, cheery welcome-home banners, and even a marching band. As they got off the ship, they were greeted with music, confetti, and speeches all for the returning political statesman, but nothing for the humble minister. The deflated missionary cried out in disgust, “Where’s my parade? Where are my commendations? Where is my welcome home?” After a brief silence, he heard the tender whisper of his Lord, “But my child, you aren’t home yet.”
For those who wait.
Thanks for your prayers.
Tim, Lillian, Micah, and Jojo
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. – Galatians 6:9 (NIV)