Inspiration Behind the Music
You may have heard this song before, because it is an old hymn that was written in the mid-19th century. I heard this song as a boy growing up and didn’t really appreciate it , but now with the passing of time, I find myself appreciating it more and more. I enjoy singing hymns, because they are usually filled with scriptural references. This is definitely one of those hymns: even more so than usual.
For as long as I can remember, I have heard that Jesus is coming soon and I know that I’m not the only one. I heard about the coming of Jesus from my parents and most likely, your parents may have told you about the coming of Jesus as well. They also would have heard about this wonderful promise from their parents. For two thousand years believers have been passing down this promise from generation to generation and the cycle repeats every time a new convert comes to Christ.
The Bible says that we were saved in the hope of this promise (Romans 8:24) and our belief in this promise is called the blessed hope. (Titus 2:13) Over the years many have grown tired of waiting and have begun to doubt the promise. Unfortunately, those who doubt don’t keep their doubts to themselves. As the old saying goes, “Misery loves company.” In this microwave age, we want everything right away and patience is a foreign concept, but James reminds us that we should let patience have its perfect work. (James 1:4) Patience has a way of perfecting our characters. Could this be one of the reasons why we’ve been waiting so long?
Peter gives us a definite reason for the delay. He reminds us that God doesn’t see time the way we do, because to him, a thousand years is like a day and a day is like a thousand years. He is willing to wait because he doesn’t want anyone to miss out on the blessings of the new Heaven and the new Earth. (2 Peter 3:8-9) I am very thankful that we serve a loving God who wants everyone to be with him in a world with no pain, sorrow and death.
While we wait, let us remember that God is working on us and Let us hold the beginning of our confidence firm to the end. (Hebrews 3:14) He is purifying us even as he is pure. (1 John 3:3)He will come as a thief, but only to those who have doubted his coming. (2 Peter 3:10) In fact, when he comes, those who are waiting for him will say, “this is our God, we’ve been waiting for him and he will save us!” (Isaiah 25:9) Heaven and Earth will pass away, but his word remains forever. (1 John 2:17) Friends, since this world is passing away, let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, because our God who has promised to return is faithful. (Hebrews 10:23)
Have you ever wondered what’s taking Jesus so long to return? Do you have any more scriptual ideas for his delay? I would love to read your thoughts.
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Come, Lord Jesus!
Hi Neville. You won’t believe this!! But you email and the sample of this song just came after reading a news clip on the internet that left me worried for people out there who are unaware of the truth in the word of God. I’m gonna write that clip down just as it is. It was posted on the 18 April 2014. A spokesperson for the Vatican has officially announced today that the second coming of Jesus, the only son of the God, may not happen now after all but urged followers to still continue with their faith, regardless of the news. Cardinal Giorgio Salvadore told WWN that this years 1,981st anniversary is to be the Vatican’s last in regards to waiting for the Lord to return to earth. ”We just feel Jesus is not coming back by the looks of it”, he said.”It’s been ages like.He’s probably flat out doing other really good things for people somewhere else”. Nearly 2000 years ago, Jesus promised his disciples that he would come again in chapter John 14:1-3 of the bible:”There are many homes up where my Father lives, and I am going to prepare them for your coming.When everything is ready, then I will come and get you, so that you can always be with Me where I am. If this weren’t so, I would tell you plainly.” The Vatican defended Jesus’ broken promise, claiming”he was probably drinking wine” at the time when he made the comments. ”Having the ability to turn water into wine had its ups and its downs”, added Cardinal Salvadore.We all make promises we can’t keep when we’re drunk-Jesus was no diffferent”. The church said it will now focus attentions on rebuilding its reputation around the world, but will keep an optimistic mind for the savior’s second coming. Then I read 2Peter 3 then it made everything clear to me.
Hi Tshepo,
The article you read is Satire. they were poking fun at the Catholic church. These people are most likely Atheists. Second Peter 3 most definitely applies here, because they are scoffing just as he said they would. Many will be surprised on the day Jesus returns, because just like in the days of Noah, they will see that the promise was real. Unfortunately for them and all others who are not prepared it will be too late.
God bless you brother!
Hi Neville, I didn’t know that there are fake news out there!!! So I did a research on the article I sent you and yes it’s all satire. Thanks for making me aware of this.
Hey Mr Neville, thank you very much for the inspiration, am among the people why Jesus isn’t coming yet and esp, my family members we fail in many ways but the Creator is still delaying that He may perfect us for His kingdom. Thank you for lighting up more, my path.
God bless you very much
I am very thankful that there is hope for all of us. Let us submit to his will for our lives and in so doing, we will hasten his soon return.
Be Faithful my brother!
Hi Neville, thank you so much for the inspiration behind the music.
Unfortunately I was not brought up with the faith from my parents that Jesus is coming soon and if so it would have been very much the opposite of how it all turned out, in my case I have been forgiven much and understand forgiveness and grace given me.
So quite possibly one of the answers for Jesus delay is people like me who have not yet had a conversion experience and given their lives to Jesus.
Their worth waiting for
Happy New Year Neville
Amen Wyman,
Oh yes they are most certainly worth waiting for. I’m very greatful that God waits for all.
I’m happy that you’re a part of the family of God and I’m looking forward to eternity with that great big family.
Happy new year to you
and your family.