Notes from the Pastor…
Saturday, May 21st came and went just like any other day. If you do not know the irony in that statement, then allow me to succinctly remind you – Harold Camping, a radio preacher from California, “calculated” the rapture to take place at 6 p.m. CST on Saturday, May 21st; marking the end of the world.
In the days following Saturday’s uneventful 6 p.m., the world news continues to replay the same scenario. They show a devoted follower of Harold Camping handing out tracts and preaching on the sidewalk; then they explain how “so-and-so” spent all their savings on advertisements proclaiming the end of the world. As 6 p.m. approaches these dooms day prophets hold fast, but moments later nothing out of the ordinary takes place. In most scenarios, we hear jeers and taunts from people in the crowd and the Harold Camping follower has an empty look of disappointment, disbelief, and confusion. If we watch their eyes we see a split second turn from expectation to shame.
I feel sorry for those dejected individuals. They have been duped and into believing that mathematics can expose the will of God. I even feel sorry for Harold Camping who spent much time, money, and effort attempting to know the unknowable. As a pulpit theologian, I am tempted to blame their false interpretation of Scripture, but that will only bolster my ego and further their shame.
Nevertheless, as I ponder these dooms day prophets, my pity turns to inspiration. These people truly lived up to Tim McGraw’s poem, “Live Like You Were Dying.” Their urgency speaks volumes to my apathy. While I may mock their ill-placed faith, I should be inspired by their passion. After all, Paul reminds us in 1 Thessalonians 5,
Concerning the times and the seasons, brothers and sisters… the Lord will come like a thief in the night… so let us not fall asleep… but since we belong to the day, let us think clearly, and put on clothes of faith and love and hats of hope and salvation.
Grace, Pastor Ryan
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