Time's A-Wastin'

harbarger theory: bob dylan was partially right. some people NEED to get stoned!

You probably saw the billboards, heard it on the news and, if you are like me, you just shook your head at all the fuss.

Harold Camping, one of the owners and show host on the Family Radio, has delved into the biblical prophetic literature (specifically Daniel and Revelation), dusted off his calculator and somehow determined that on May 21, 2011 the Rapture would happen at 6:00pm with the occurrence of the worst earthquake EVER! If you experience May 22, then you (and I) were either left behind, or … he was wrong.

Interesting. You see, in the era when God primarily spoke through people that were called to be the mouthpieces of God (they were called Prophets), there was a strict rule. You see, God is NEVER wrong, so if you made a prediction and said, “God will do THIS or THAT” and that thing did not happen, there were consequences. That person was summarily dragged outside the city gates and the people threw rocks at her or him until they were … dead. The penalty for speaking for God falsely was DEATH.

Now, be clear. I am NOT advocating that anything like this happen to Mr. Camping or his friends and followers who have helped in disseminating these falsehoods. But, I would respectfully ask them to be quiet from now on. They should turn off their radio transmitters. They could give it away to people who DO speak truthfully for God. Or they could just go away, get a job and help the poor. They could do anything but … speak for God anymore. They have been discredited and have done damage to the good name of the Church. So, please just go away and do some good to try to do penance for the damage you have done.

For the rest of us, we need to realize that sensationalist drivel may sell radio advertising, billboards or make exciting Christian tabloid fodder. But, it does not advance the Kingdom of God. It distracts us from the mission of sharing our faith with our neighbor by our lives, our attitudes and our words. We would be better served by feeding the hungry or having a cup of coffee and listening to a friend who needs to talk or teaching a little one about the love of God or sharing our faith with a friend who is seeking. The work of the Kingdom of God is not about goofball proclamations, but about day-in-and-day-out conducting lives marked by God’s love, grace and mercy.

Therefore, I am declaring a Drivel-Free Zone at the church that I serve and we will be working, studying, laughing, singing, worshipping, and sharing the Kingdom of God with whoever will listen with attitudes marked by God’s love, grace and mercy. Then, when Jesus DOES come back (and he will one day!), we’ll be able to stand before the Mercy Seat with confidence of the children of God and hear, “Well done, my good and faithful servants!”

harbarger theory: bob dylan was partially right. some people NEED to get stoned!

well, not really ... but, some days ....