But When? December 29, 2015

"My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.  John 14:2-3 ESV

If my math is correct Jesus made this promise to his disciplines, his inner-circle, his closest of closest friends about 1,982 years ago (give or take a year or two).  "I will come back and take you to be with me."  Not  you will be with me after you die a painful death and then join me in heaven.  Not we will see each other after you have been imprisoned, beaten, and tortured.  But "I will return and TAKE you with me."  For a literal fulfillment of that promise, Jesus would have had to have returned within the disciples' lifetime and removed them from this earth.

34 AD, no return.
35 AD, still waiting.
45 AD, not yet.
90 AD, hmmm. . .
2015 AD, soon Jesus?

I can't help but think there were times the disciples questioned Jesus' declaration from that Passover meal.  He promised.  He said he was God.  God can do all things.  Where is he?  We are being mocked, stoned, crucified.  "Any time Jesus would be fine for that promise you made in the Upper Room."

How often do you get discouraged when God's promises are delayed?  He promised you daily bread, but your child is hungry.  He said He would meet all your needs, but you cannot find a job.  


You won't always see God's wisdom and plan in the distant fulfillment of our prayers or His promises.  Marriages still crumble. Illnesses linger.  Loved ones die lost.  There are reasons for His delays.  A motive, a method for withholding a blessing until tomorrow He could have bestowed today.  Faith requires you trust His timing even when it seems He is never going to "return and take you with Him."

Patience strengthens faith.  Patience humbles.  Patience deepens prayer.  Patience is hard.