There has been a lot of talk over the last few years about the second coming, and much expectation of the return of Jesus. This is not the first time in history such expectations were raised, and hopes daunted. Even so, never before in history has so many of the signs been fulfilled and yet still we wait. Does our savior tarry? What is he waiting for? Some say it is to build anticipation, but such a thing is only cumulative in a given generation not all that have passed since Jesus ascended to the throne. The question remains unanswered.

I believe the answer is a simple one: preparation. Not only do signs help us understand the times we live in, but heaven’s army must also be mustered, the bowls of wrath and the seven seals revealed in heaven, and the Church Universal must also be waiting and watching.

I will stand at my watch post;

I will remain stationed on the city wall.

I will keep watching, so I can see what he says to me

and can know how I should answer

when he counters my argument.

The Lord responded:

“Write down this message! Record it legibly on tablets,

so the one who announces it may read it easily.

For the message is a witness to what is decreed;

it gives reliable testimony about how matters will turn out.

Even if the message is not fulfilled right away, wait patiently;

for it will certainly come to pass – it will not arrive late.

-- Habakkuk 2.1-3

Even though no man knows the hour of the Messiah ‘s return, even though we may not know exactly how to read the signs, we are to watch and wait, for his return will come to pass. We are assured Jesus will not be late. The author of Hebrews tells us the same:

At times you were publicly exposed to abuse and afflictions, and at other times you came to share with others who were treated in that way. For in fact you shared the sufferings of those in prison, and you accepted the confiscation of your belongings with joy, because you knew that you certainly had a better and lasting possession. So do not throw away your confidence, because it has great reward. For you need endurance in order to do God’s will and so receive what is promised. For just a little longer and he who is coming will arrive and not delay. But my righteous one will live by faith, and if he shrinks back, I take no pleasure in him. But we are not among those who shrink back and thus perish, but are among those who have faith and preserve their souls. – Hebrews 10.33-39

Some have indicated that our Lord will return this year in late September and that the events of Revelation will then be set into motion. Will that happen? I don’t know, what I do know is that in the Parable of the Ten Virgins the wise ones were those who took extra oil, for the groom (Jesus) was later than anticipated (Matthew 25.1-13). Be wise. Keep watch. Assure your house in order. Never shrink back saying “where is his promised return?” (2 Peter 3.1-13). Have faith.