I admit it. I have said the words.

Even so, come, Lord Jesus. – Revelation 22:20

When life is difficult. When people are exhausting. When new wounds are inflicted or old pains resurface. When the longing for that lost loved one just becomes too much.

Come, Lord Jesus.

When I’m tired of the way people choose cruelty over kindness and grudges over grace. When forgiveness feels foreign and the world grows cold. When I long for peace, but others are for war. When I’m ready for it all to be done.

Come, Lord Jesus.

And, so, I wonder. Why does he not come now? Sometimes, in my ignorance, it seems cruel for him to linger. I long for him to swoop in and save the day. I want the pain to end. I want the frauds exposed. I want the truth revealed. I just want him.

 For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. – 1 Thessalonians 5:2

Like a thief in the night {when we least expect him}, that is when he will return. But when? And why does it seem to be taking so very long? Could it be like the watched pot that never seems to boil? Maybe, we spend too much time staring at the skies longing for our rescue when we should be about the business of making sure others are just as ready for his return. His delay is not an act of cruelty but of mercy.

God isn’t late with his promise as some measure lateness. He is restraining himself on account of you, holding back the End because he doesn’t want anyone lost. He’s giving everyone space and time to change. – 2 Peter 3:9 (The Message)

Each day that the Lord tarries is another 24 hour period when someone else has yet another chance to choose him. He created us out of love and that same love keeps him from returning. We all have friends, family, coworkers, neighbors, who do not know the Lord. If he returned now – they would be doomed to an eternity without him. So, as much as we long to be in his presence, the cry of our hearts should not be, “Come, Lord Jesus,” for that is a selfish cry.

We should plead, instead, “Restrain yourself, Lord Jesus, one more day because someone I love is not ready.”