When you call the cable company, they generally give you a window of 8a-5p of their arrival. So, you have to sit around your house and wait, often missing a day of work (not that that is a bad thing), and most people are frustrated by the fact that the cable company can't narrow it down.
Christians state that Jesus is returning "soon". He's been returning "soon" for 2000 years.
One day....versus 2000 years. Think about it.
2007-12-13 01:56:34 · 22 answers · asked by Deke 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
This speaks not well of god, that he is less timely then the cable company.
2007-12-13 02:00:56 · answer #1 · answered by David Carrington Jr. 7 · 3⤊ 4⤋
I'm going to tweek your analogy a bit so it's closer to what Scripture suggests, ok? Just so we can compare apples to apples.
Let's say that the cable company tells you that the technician will arrive sometime before 5 p.m.; the operator is sorry, but she truly cannot give you an accurate time because she doesn't know the hour the technician will arrive. But in return for your patience, the cable company will offer you a prize. If you wait patiently and are standing at the door when the technician arrives, you'll win $10,000. However, if you forget that he's coming (maybe you instead choose to watch a video, or make a beef and cheese burrito, or even leave to walk your dog) and you do not greet the technician at the door when he gets there, you've lost your prize. That's a HUGE price to pay for failing to stay ready, isn't it?
Scripture tells us we cannot know the day or the hour of His return. But if we are constantly ready, we have no need to fear losing out on the prize -- being with Him forever.
As for His "soon" return, I will repeat for you what I've said to many people here: He will return when ALL of the prophesies have been fulfilled. During WWII, many people firmly believed that was it, Jesus was returning at any moment. But they ignored one incredibly important Scriptural fact: the prophesies ALL state that Israel would be re-established as a country when the Messiah comes. It was wishful thinking to be sure, but their line of reasoning was not Scriptural, since Israel wasn't re-established until May, 1948.
2007-12-13 10:26:31 · answer #2 · answered by Suzanne: YPA 7 · 2⤊ 3⤋
The easy answer is that God's ways are not our ways. If God wants to make us wait thousands ofyears to return, that's fine with me.
Your question has been on the mids of Christians since the beginning. Indeed, there are indication in the gospels themselves (written in the first 70 years of Christianity), that people were getting impatient. Read John 21 for a story in which Peter (who has just been informed that he will suffer a martyr's death) asks impatiently about what will happen to the Beloved Disciple. Jesus basically says, "What does it matter if he lives until I return again? You follow me!"
The message is the same for we Christians today, especially during Advent, our season of hope and waiting. We know Christ will return. In the meanwhile, we will continue to change our lives and follow Jesus. Personally, I'm glad God has granted us the extension! I'm slow to learn.
2007-12-13 10:05:58 · answer #3 · answered by Jeanster 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
they are going to have to reschedule. Jesus missed his first appointment.
"Immediately after the tribulation of those days, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming upon the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he will send out his angels with a trumpet blast, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other. "Learn a lesson from the fig tree. When its branch becomes tender and sprouts leaves, you know that summer is near. In the same way, when you see all these things, know that he is near, at the gates. Amen, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. (Matthew 24:29-35 NAB)
2007-12-13 10:15:58 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Folks there are signs all around us letting us know the time is soon. Just for instance consider one of them the Mark of the Beast and the chips coming out for implants that can be put in your hand or head to be powered by the temperature exchange.
Mar 13:28 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When her branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is near:
Mar 13:29 So ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, [even] at the doors.
Mar 13:30 Verily I say unto you, that this generation shall not pass, till all these things be done.
Mar 13:31 Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.
Mar 13:32 But of that day and [that] hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.
Know your bible. Know the prophecies of the times before the coming of Jesus and you will be ready.
Mat 25:1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.
Mat 25:2 And five of them were wise, and five [were] foolish.
Mat 25:3 They that [were] foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:
Mat 25:4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.
Mat 25:5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.
Mat 25:6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him
Mat 25:7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.
Mat 25:8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.
Mat 25:9 But the wise answered, saying, [Not so]; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.
Mat 25:10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.
Mat 25:11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.
Mat 25:12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.
Mat 25:13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.
Notice you cant know the day or the hour but you can know the season. If you don't know your bible and God for your self you can be fooled by anybody and be taken in. Know God for your self. Don't depend on others relationships with God to support you.
2007-12-13 10:10:38 · answer #5 · answered by Dustinthewind 4 · 0⤊ 3⤋
But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 2 Peter 3:8
To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: Ecclesiastes 3:1 (King James Version)
2007-12-13 10:05:16 · answer #6 · answered by Carol 4 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Half of Judeo Christian beleivers in the living G_d believe Jesus will return, and the Jews look for their Messiah to come for the 1st time!
I guess even unbelievers HOPE it is true, so they don't finish the race dead.
2007-12-13 11:17:51 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Because their whole belief rides on his return, so rather than write off their belief as false, they wait!
They should read the story again.
Two men in white apparel ask the men of Galilee.. why are you gazing up into heaven, he will return the same way he left.
No where does it say that they saw him taken, in fact, it says just the opposite... "He was taken up out of their sight," meaning, they did not see him taken up!
Neither will they see him return. Jesus coming in the clouds of heaven is a metaphor for Truth coming in the thoughts of the mind. It will be a spiritual return... to the individual!
The two men in white apparel represent the two witnesses of the heart: spirit and truth or "the spirit of truth," which came to correct their error in thinking!
2007-12-13 10:09:55 · answer #8 · answered by Sandra L. Butler 2 · 1⤊ 3⤋
Only Christians who focus on waiting around & fixing a rough time get frustrated or disillusioned. The bible clearly tell all Christians to get ready at anytime and exact time is not given.
2007-12-13 10:05:46 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋
I understand your point with this Deke.........
We Christians are getting anxious for His return as well.
But no one really knows when He will come back.
His lack of appearing just means more time for the Lord to save people.
There's still time for you my friend......and I'm still praying for you
2007-12-13 10:51:13 · answer #10 · answered by primoa1970 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Not only Christians, but Muslims are also awaiting the return of Jesus
2007-12-13 10:03:21 · answer #11 · answered by Karim 2 · 2⤊ 2⤋