The other day I was thinking about the apologetical difficulties of a delayed parousia of Christ. It bothered me that Jesus’ promise to return has taken more than two millennia. It seems kind of ridiculous to believe this event is going to happen when it seems many thought it would take place nineteen hundred years ago.

Then it came to me: I am thankful for the delay in the Second Coming. Of course, if it happened tomorrow, I would welcome it. I echo the author of the Book of Revelation (22.20) who responded to Christ’s promise to return with the words, “Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!”. On the other hand, as someone reading Scripture in 2010, the words of 2 Pet. 3.9 obtain additional meaning when the author writes, ” The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.” May we add to this that God not only wants to give as many people alive today an opportunity at mercy, but God wants to bring mercy to as many people in history as possible as well.

So what is one of the greatest benefits of a delayed parousia? My life! God’s patience, God’s sovereignty that does not act in response to finite human criticisms, outlasts all those who mock year after year after year the hope of the Christian faith that Christ will return. God knows the time and He will not forfeit His plans for humanity. I am thankful for the patience of God who has brought history this far in order that even more of us may find the Kingdom.