In the middle of all that is happening in our current age, it is easy to get discouraged. It is easy to slip into despondency as we watch sin run unchecked so often, as people seem to just do as they please. Violence, hatred, crime, and so forth, leave a bitter taste as we watch the World descend further and further into chaos. Things may seem to be spinning out of control, as God is rejected and His word is mocked.
For Christians, we often find ourselves in these moments, asking one question, “How long, Lord Jesus, how long?”. Because, we know that the only answer to such madness and chaos is the return of Jesus Christ. The World needs a mighty King who will rule perfectly and justly. The World needs Jesus.
We do not ask this question in hopelessness and despair, but rather, hopeful anticipation. We know that such a King is coming, and coming soon. As the World despairs, we rejoice at the quickening approach of glory. We wait eagerly for the Gate of Heaven to burst open as the King of kings rides out to rage war with His enemies. We wait for the trumpets to sound, and for our Saviour to restore all things to Paradise.
The more we wait, the closer this moment approaches. This short and momentary life is absolutely not all there is. This blimp lasts for a second, and then Eternity; a short flash and then glory. We wait to walk on streets of gold, to wonder at the Tree of Life, and to drink endlessly of the Water of Life free of cost.
This is our absolute future. And as we long for it, let we continue to ask, in the face of sin, hate, war, trials, and every single hardship, “Oh, Lord Jesus, how long, how long?”.
Do not lose heart. Our future is sure. Our King is coming.
The grey rain-curtain of this world rolls back, and all turns to silver glass, and then you see it. White shores, and beyond, a far green country under a swift sunrise.
Tolkien
To The Heart 