AdventSample

Day 8: The Delay Is Not Denial

Reflection:

One major question for apologists is: Why is Jesus taking so long? During Advent, we anticipate Christ’s coming; the Christmas story in which Jesus comes as a baby in a manger—but also His coming again in glory to judge the living and the dead. The question becomes: How do Christians understand the problem of the delayed parousia, or the second coming of Christ? Jesus spoke prophetically (and often) about the fulfillment of signs that would happen before the current generation had passed away. So, what gives? Did the writers of the Gospels, and even Paul, believe that Jesus’ return was imminent?

Here is where understanding the nature of prophecy in the Bible is important. Christians need to remember that prophecy is not just telling you what will happen, but how to behave. In the Old Testament, from Jeremiah to Isaiah, Jonah to Malachi, the prophets wanted to be proven wrong. They wanted people to turn from wickedness so that prophetic judgement didn’t happen! In other words, the delay is not inscrutable, it’s variable. This is why Peter writes about our ethical behavior and says we look forward to the day and hasten its coming. Prophecy can be both accelerated and delayed. And prophecy can be deferred if people come to repentance.

As we look to Christ’s coming again we reflect on the fact that the delay of His return is not abandonment, but mercy. God’s patience means salvation.

Meditation:

Does God’s patience with the world shape my behavior?