They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.”
2 Peter 3:4 NIV
It is easy to look at the steady rhythm of the world and wonder why Jesus hasn’t returned yet. We watch the sun rise and set, seasons change, and history march forward without interruption. For many, this perceived stability becomes an excuse to doubt the promise of Christ’s return. However, the Apostle Peter addresses this very mindset in Scripture, warning us against assuming that a delay implies God has forgotten His promise.
The Bible describes people who point to the consistent patterns of creation as proof against God’s intervention. They argue that since everything continues as it always has, Christ will not come back. This attitude relies entirely on what eyes can see rather than what God has spoken. Consequently, it breeds a dangerous complacency in the heart of believers. We must reject this cynical view because it directly opposes the truth of God’s Word.
Scoffers view the promise of Christ as an old story that no longer holds relevance. They use the apparent stability of the world as a shield against spiritual conviction. Yet, they forget that God has interrupted history in powerful ways before. Therefore, relying on the idea that “nothing changes” is a spiritual trap. It ignores the reality that God controls time and will act according to His perfect schedule.
Lessons from History: Noah and Lot
Scripture provides clear historical warnings about misinterpreting God’s silence. In the days of Noah, society continued with eating, drinking, and marrying right up until the floodwaters rose. The people ignored the warnings because they trusted their past experiences over God’s word. Because rain had never fallen in such a way before, they felt safe. Unfortunately, their trust in “how things always go” collapsed the moment judgment arrived.
Similarly, the residents of Sodom lived in comfort and sin, believing their city would stand forever. When Lot warned his family, they thought he was joking. They felt sure that life would continue as usual. Nevertheless, destruction swept through the city suddenly, proving that outward stability offers no protection against divine judgment. These examples remind us that God’s intervention often comes when the world feels most normal.
Understanding Why Jesus Hasn’t Returned Yet
Jesus Himself used these very examples to describe His Second Coming. He explained that life will look completely ordinary just before the decisive moment arrives. People will be buying, selling, and planning for the future. In that ordinary setting, the Lord will return. Furthermore, He described His coming as a thief in the night. A thief never announces his arrival; he strikes when the house sits quiet and guards are down.
Therefore, the Lord commands us to watch and stay alert. He blesses the servant who remains ready and warns the one who uses the delay as an excuse for careless living. The attitude that says “He delays” often leads to loose living and spiritual drift. We must realise that the silence of heaven never equals the absence of God. The quiet path of history does not cancel the certainty of Christ’s return.
God’s Patience is Our Opportunity
We must view time through the lens of Scripture rather than the lens of the scoffer. 2 Peter 3:9 clarifies that the Lord is not slow in keeping His promise. Instead, He shows immense patience because He wants no one to perish. Every day that the world continues represents a gift of grace. It offers time for repentance and salvation. Thus, the stability of the world should not cause doubt; it should inspire gratitude.
Consequently, our preparation should not consist of fear or frantic speculation. True readiness involves repentance, obedience, and holy living. We must turn our hearts from hidden sin and refuse the false comfort of the world. Instead of echoing the doubts of the age, our lives should demonstrate faith through love and service. We live in the light of His promise, letting every day of delay push us into deeper devotion.
Living It Out
Firstly, examine your daily routine to see if spiritual complacency has set in. Ask yourself if you are living with an expectation of Christ’s return, or if the stability of life has lulled you to sleep. Make a conscious decision to align your priorities with eternity today, rather than banking solely on tomorrow.
Secondly, use the delay as a motivation for evangelism and prayer. Remember that God’s patience is salvation for the lost. Identify one person in your life who does not know the Lord, and commit to praying for them daily, trusting that this “ordinary” day is an opportunity for them to find grace.
Finally, anchor your mind in the truth of Scripture rather than the news cycle. When doubts arise about why Jesus hasn’t returned yet, read 2 Peter 3 and remind yourself of His patience. Let His Word be the foundation of your hope, ensuring that when He appears, you will be found awake and joyful.