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It seems that there has always been an endless theories, pronunciations, speculations, etc. concerning Jesus' return.

Adding to the theories is a Jewish authority who has added his name to the list. He seems to have a new theory that ends with Jesus' return approximately 64 years from no (present time 2017). If correct, Jesus should return in the year 2081.

Jesus said that there would eventually be those who say He is here, or there, or coming, etc., etc., claiming that they somehow have been led to believe Jesus will return according to their calculations.

Approximately fifty years ago, there was a very large Christian organization that carried speculation about Jesus’ return to an extreme. Over a span of many years the date of Jesus’ return as set, and when He did not return on that date or near that date, the date was reset. Obviously it was changed over an over. The last date was set that I am aware of was the year 2020. If this is the correct date, we do not have long to wait for Him to return. This occurred in this one organization. The date has been set by countess others down through the years. The one referred to above stretches out Jesus supposed return far enough that many if not most will not live to find it correct or incorrect.

Jesus tells simply, that no one knows. Jesus predicted this, and warned all that false prophets would always be:

"Heaven and earth [as now known] will pass away, but My words will not pass away. but of that [exact] day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son [in His humanity], but the Father alone. Be on guard and stay constantly alert and pray; for you do not know when the appointed time will come." - Mark 13:31-34

Here Jesus states that even He did know. Only God the Father knew at that time. It is unknown whether Jesus now knows. Presumably, He does know now, since the now seated beside to God the Father on His heavenly throne.

There is an old advertising gimmick that ends with the statement, “inquiring minds want to know!” Supposedly this is true today. We would all like to know exactly when Jesus will return…if we have an inquiring mind.

There is great wisdom shown by God by not letting anyone know when Jesus will return. Borrowing from an old love song, “not knowing is a blessing”, referring to whether the one who loves is being loved. It is great wisdom by God by not letting us know His return because the uncertainty keeps us looking forward. Most humans cling to the past in one way or another. Which isn’t wrong in itself, but as Christians we need to look in anticipation of Jesus’ return when our past will not be remembered. Most of us troubles and trials in the present which will finally be forgotten. Life in the kingdom of God will never again carry burdens of the past.

Remembering per se is not wrong, but joyfully anticipation of Jesus’ coming should, by not being known, stimulate our effort to be found doing as Jesus has commanded us to do. By not trying to anticipate when He will return, let us
occupy our time with emphasis to being ready - regardless of when He will return. This will be time and effort much more valuably spent.

And until then, we can constantly pray we will be ready, having been wash by His blood, and ready for our wedding supper with the Lamb.

“Then the angel said to me, “Write, ‘Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.’” And he said to me [further], “These are the true and exact words of God.” - Revelation 19:9

"Today's Little Lift" from Jim Bullington

Mercy and not Sacrifice (Sept. 29, 2010)