Still Waiting on Us
Why Jesus Has Not Returned
There's a question quietly whispered in churches, coffeeshops, and hearts: Why hasn't Jesus come back yet? Amidst the chaos in the world today, many people yearn for the return of Christ and the establishment of His glorious kingdom. The answer, according to Jesus, is clear and sobering.
“This gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come”
The word "nations" is not a geopolitical or geographic term—it's ethnē in Greek, referring to people groups, ethnic clusters, and cultures with distinct languages and worldviews. Jesus made one thing unmistakably clear: He will not return until every people group [ethnē] has heard the gospel.
But we must hold this alongside another equally vital truth:
“But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only”
The timing of Christ's return remains in God's hands. Our job is not to predict the day, but to fulfill the great commission.
Jesus commanded us to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20). Proclaiming the gospel is not just about finishing a task for the sake of prophecy. It's about introducing real people to the Saviour so they might discover the pure joy that comes from following Him. And, be transformed into disciple-makers themselves.
The Church Is Busy, But Is It Being Strategic?
The Church in our era is not sleeping; many are working hard. We are faithfully planting new congregations, launching initiatives, and serving our communities with dedication. However, here's the tension: most of our energy is being spent in areas that are already gospel-saturated, if not gospel-hardened.
We're investing in cities and regions that have access to hundreds of churches, Christian media, and resources. Yet, more than 3.4 billion people remain unreached, with no viable gospel witness in their language or culture. That is not a rebuke; it's a call to evaluate our methodology.
Some churches are wealthy. But the majority, especially mission-minded, sending churches, are resource-stretched. We often hear talk about the Church having abundant resources, but in reality, the churches most focused on reaching the unreached are usually those with the least financial bandwidth. They are giving sacrificially, sending courageously, and praying fervently, but they can't do it alone. The lack is not in faith—it's in funding.
We Must Finish What Jesus Started.
Jesus has tied His return to our obedience. He's not waiting for a final war, a global crisis, or a blood moon. He's waiting for the gospel to be preached among every people group.
That means that those of us leading churches must:
Reframe our mission strategies to focus on the unreached, not just the reachable.
Empower sending churches with training, partnerships, and financial support.
Ask challenging questions about where we plant, how we measure fruitfulness, and whether our missional methods align with Jesus' priorities.
Until every people group hears the gospel, our work is not complete, and His return is not imminent.
Revelation 7:9—The End We Are Working Toward.
Matthew 24:14 is not just a mission command—it is a prophecy. It reveals God's end-time agenda, which finds its fulfillment in Revelation:
“After this, I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne”
This is not just a flamboyant vision. It is the outcome of the Church's obedience. It is what Jesus is waiting for. The multitude standing before the throne is not hypothetical; they are real people. Precious redeemed individuals who will only be there if we pray, give, send and go.
The global Church's role is to help turn Revelation 7:9 from prophecy into reality.
Let's continue to strengthen the Church's impact in our cities. But let's also rise to the larger call: to take the gospel where it has never been preached. To people who've never had a missionary, a Bible, or a single gospel encounter.
Jesus will return—but not before every nation, tribe, and tongue hears.
The problem isn't laziness—it's misalignment.
The call isn't to do more—but to go further.
The goal isn't to guilt the Church—but to awaken it.
This is not a global crisis of capacity—it's a strategic challenge that demands courage, clarity, and collaboration.
Let's plant where Christ is not named.
Let's give where the gospel has not gone.
Let's finish the task—so our King can return!
Originally published on Pastoral Insights with Edwin Rideout.
Edwin and his wife, Rhoda, commenced their ministry at the Family Christian Centre, Fort McMurray, in August 2008. Under their leadership, FCC has experienced sustained growth.
Edwin is known for his energy and passion in the congregation and community. His preaching and teaching are forthright and down to earth; the cry of his heart is for people to discover the "freedom" the gospel of Christ provides.