Day 291 - Mark 13-16

ONE-YEAR JOURNEY OF THE BIBLE
Day 291 - Mark 13-16 (You May Be One Reason Christ Has Not Returned Yet)
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"But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars of heaven will fall, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.  Then they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory.  And then He will send His angels, and gather together His elect from the four winds, from the farthest part of earth to the farthest part of heaven...  Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away."  (Mark 13:24-31)

In Mark chapter 13, Jesus talks about the events in the last days beginning with the destruction of the Temple and leading up to His return on earth after His death, resurrection, and ascension.  These last days have proven to extend over two thousand years already; nevertheless, Jesus assured His disciples that His words will be fulfilled despite what others may say.

No doubt, Jesus had already anticipated the fact that many will mock at His promised return, and sure enough, it did happen as early as during the lifetime of the apostles.  Peter writes about this in his second letter:

              "...scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, and saying, "Where is               the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from               the beginning of creation."... But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one                   day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.  The Lord is not slack concerning                 His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should               perish but that all should come to repentance."  (2 Peter 3:3-9) 

Nothing can be more clear in the Bible; Jesus promised that He will return in order to bring with Him those who are His as well as to judge this world for its sins.  Our Lord Himself assured all that "Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away."  Peter's second letter helps us understand that although Christ's return may seems so, so long to us humans, with God, it isn't so because He is not bound by time being He created time.

Peter also gives us the reason for the apparent delay of Christ's return, that is, "God is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance (verse 9)."  Peter said it well when he wrote that "God is longsuffering" or patient with us in order to give all a chance to repent and be saved.  

If you have not yet fully surrendered your life to the Lordship of Christ, you are part of the reason why Christ has not returned yet.  He is still giving you time to repent of your sins and accept Him in your heart as your Lord and Savior.  Truly, God's mercy and grace is amazing.  Let all creation praise the Lord!