Discipleship can't wait

This year, I’m rereading Genesis and Revelation more keenly, and let me tell you Njoroge —those two books are the its! Today, I had a light bulb moment: could it be that the words “Behold, I come quickly, and my reward is with me…” (Revelation 22:12) are part of why discipleship was quietly shelved while evangelism took the spotlight in Church and approach to outreach?

Let me explain. Maybe, just maybe, people assumed “quickly” meant, “Give it a year, max a decade.” It’s almost like they forgot Jesus’ words in Matthew 24 when the disciples asked Him, “Tell us, when will these things happen? And what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the world?” Jesus didn’t just throw dates around; He gave a list of signs to look out for and followed it up with two parables: the parable of the ten virgins and the parable of the talents (Matthew 25).

Now, here’s where it gets interesting. In both parables, there’s this small but crucial detail: the groom TARRIED in the first, and the master stayed away for a LONG TIME* in the second. That gap— that waiting period—seems to have slipped through the cracks. Instead, it’s like they started living as though “soon” meant next week on Tuesday. Fast forward, and suddenly, Revelation 22 gets interpreted as “evangelize at full speed; discipleship can wait!”

But think about it. Maybe Jesus was hinting that His return wouldn’t feel like jumia food delivery but more like waiting for nyama choma to cook over wet charcoal. I could be right. Or wrong. But let’s pretend I’m right as I write this.  

Now that we’re a bit enlightened (hopefully), it’s time to breathe in, settle down, and embrace the pace of discipleship. Let’s stop rushing converts straight into being congregants without guiding them to become conduits for the gospel. Discipleship isn’t a sprint—it’s a slow, steady marathon.  

Just look at Jesus. He spent three years focused on discipling twelve men—three of whom got special attention (Peter, James, and John) and nine others who shared His personal touch. When He left, the crowds had heard, eleven had understood, and one was… (accounted) for... winks to the accountants. 😂  

I am not suggesting that we put a halt on evangelism efforts. No. I'm simply asking us to tag along discipleship with it. Discipleship may feel slow, but it’s sustainable and our masters last instruction... Go and make disciples... No saint should forget that. So, as we lead and do discipleship, let’s not just keep saying “Behold, He’s coming quickly!” Let’s start preparing quickly by discipling others patiently. After all, when the Groom finally arrives, we want to hear Him say, while looking at us... “Well done, good and faithful servant!” (Matthew 25:21).

What do you think?