Jesus Gives us Purpose in the End Times
By David Schlie
In the Jewish wedding tradition, the bridegroom leaves his betrothed to go prepare a house for her. As he builds the house, the bride waits for his return. This is illustrated in the parable of the ten virgins in Matthew 25. The bridegroom does not return until after the Father says it is time. Likewise, in great anticipation, we as believers wait for the coming of our bridegroom—Jesus Christ.
But why is this taking so long?
In 2 Peter 3:9 it says, “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” God is not slow in keeping his promises. Rather God wants all to come to repentance. God wants all to hear the Good News of forgiveness.
As we patiently wait for Jesus’ return, we need to remember our mission, our Great Commission, to baptize and teach all nations in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. How do we do this? We can look to the twelve apostles’ example in Acts 2. The apostles began the job of reaching all nations while in Jerusalem. The celebration of Pentecost brought Jews from around the world to that city. Peter, by the power of the Holy Spirit, spoke boldly about Jesus. The crowds were amazed by how these uneducated Galileans spoke in all their languages. Three thousand people were baptized, and those people would eventually go home and continue what the apostles had started. God’s Church is in His hands, and His Church can achieve great things by His power and guidance - no matter the time or circumstances in which we live.
Questions for Contemplation:
How can we, while stuck in our homes and kept from our jobs, churches, and schools, continue the mission?
How can God use you right now as we wait for Jesus our bridegroom to return?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, the church longs for your return. By your Holy Spirit, use us to lead people to faith in you. Amen.