I often wrestle with why Jesus has not returned to bring His Church to Himself … why in the Bible this time we’re in is supposed to highlight God’s “patient forbearance” (2 Peter 3:9) when every moment people who reject God as Lord and Savior are dying and will experience separation from Him for eternity.
But the humbling truth is that this waiting most likely has to do with God receiving glory and those who know Him personally receiving what is truly good for them (Romans 8:28).
It most likely has to do with Jesus preparing His Bride for Himself. Jesus is currently cleansing, washing, and sanctifying His Bride in Truth (Ephesians 5:25-27). Specifically, the Truth that He sacrificed Himself so that our uncleanliness would be placed on Him and His purity given to us. And though this is already accomplished in God’s eyes – we are pure before Him – we still wait to brought near.
His Bride is not ready yet.
When we question when He will return or why it is taking so long we can remember how He loves us as His own body. Not only because He literally gave His own body for us, but because we are the body of Christ in the eternal sense. He loves us as He loves Himself. He cherishes and nourishes us, His Bride, as He does Himself (Ephesians 5:28-31). I think Jesus wants to bring His Bride near now. But He is patient with us, His Bride. Also, just as Jesus said “not My will, but Yours” in the Gethsemane, I think He says the same to God now.
“But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.”
2 Peter 3:9 ESV (emphasis mine)
Jesus is patient toward His beloved, His Bride. He gave His body on the cross for her good and for God’s glory; He is waiting for His Bride (which He loves as His own body) for her good and God’s glory.
But when God gives Him the word He will come for His Bride and nothing will stop Him.
“He who testifies to these things says, ‘Surely I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!”
Revelation 22:20 ESV
“I remember the days when I first fell in love
Took what felt like an eternity, you got my heart to open up
I remember the dance
Of connecting heart to mind
While you’re in the process to convince me I’m your bride
Broken body spilled blood in my stead
Your kindness is lifting my head
And I need communion
My bread and my wine
And I need communion
Face to face
You and me locking eyes for eternity
And I need, Jesus”
~ Communion, Gable Price and Friends
The Worth Of Knowing 
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