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*Illustration: February 6, 2005 I was hosting a Super Bowl Party watching the NE Patriots play the Philadelphia Eagles.  With the game on the line and time running down it was painful to watch the methodically slow movement of the Eagles QB.  I remember passionate Eagles fans yelling “What’s he waiting for?”  To this day rumors fly around as to what truly happened in those final moments of the game that still make us scratch our heads. 

The same was said of General Dwight D. Eisenhower as he wrestled with the decision of whether to launch Operation Overlord.  A few of his commanders were saying “what are you waiting for?” Each of them were looking through a limited lens, but Eisenhower was considering the bigger pitcher that was affected by weather and seas due to the airborne and beach conditions for landing craft and tanks, and the pace of war in the months ahead with winter 6 months away.  In the end, he wanted to win the war but with concern on how to save the most lives. 

History tells us he chose well.  But that does not change the reality that we are often frustrated or impatient when our timing is not met.  Typically, we are lacking information and limited view of the bigger picture.  Trust in the decision maker will ultimately decide our stance.  

Why has Jesus not come back yet?  What is God waiting for?

Not yet.  Not yet.  Now!  Matthew 24:1-14

God is waiting for every people group to hear about Jesus!

Our complaint…

• Culture has become more wicked more adversarial.
  
  
• People are suffering at greater rates.
  
  
• War has become constant.
  
  
• People are beginning to doubt this is ever going to happen.
  
  
• It has been 2000 years!

Man’s impatience leads to cynicism and mockery.  2 Peter 3:3-7

• The mocker will bring a message of doubt because of his “delay”. (4a)
  
  
• The mocker will also point to everything goes on as it always has—from bad to worse and then seasons of improvement. (4b)
  
  
• They conveniently forget the patterns of God within the past. (5-7)

God’s infinite qualities exposes our finite limitations in understanding him.          2 Peter 3:8-9

• Time as it feels to us is but a breath to him. (8)
  
  
• He continues his patient approach in saving more and more from judgment and giving them life through his son Jesus. (9)

Until then, we join the cause of God bringing the gospel to all nations.  That is our mission as a church and as a follower of Christ.

God’s strategy for reaching the world.  Romans 10:9-17

1. The gospel- salvation happens when we declare Jesus as Lord with the mouth and believe in our heart that he is risen. (9-10)
   
   
2. Belief requires hearing the gospel. (14)
   
   
3. Hearing requires someone speaking the gospel.
   
   
4. Someone speaking the gospel needs to be sent, especially where the gospel is not known—their eternity depends on it. (17)
   
   
5. Jesus returns when this strategy is accomplished among all people.

• He can still come today, but until that happens we participate in his mission in sharing the gospel.

Benediction: 

Acts 1:8 “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”