December 19, 2010:

Ponderings of a Pilgrim PASTOR

“Jesus Is Coming . . . Soon!”

Did you see this recent news item? A billboard campaign now arriving in metropolitan Atlanta carries the confident assertion that Jesus is coming on May 21, 2011. The billboards are already up in Nashville, Detroit and Omaha, Nebraska. They’re sponsored by the website WeCanKnow.com.

Why May 21, 2011? The organizers say this prediction is based on an analysis of scripture and biblical genealogy which “suggests” (their word, not mine) that Christ is returning next May. Just how they arrived at this speculation is anybody’s guess. One thing is certain: as my professor of New Testament used to say, the one thing all these predications of the end of the world have in common is . . . they’re always wrong!

But wait a minute. Don’t we good members of the United Church of Christ proclaim in our communion liturgy: “Christ’s coming we await?” Do we really believe that or is this just so much pious mumbo-jumbo from the past? Why not be honest and drop the whole idea? But would we also have to stop saying part of the Lord’s prayer: “They kingdom come . . .?”

No, I don’t believe that Jesus is coming back at any time or in any sense that biblical literalists may believe. I do believe that it seems important to them to keep their followers in breathless and fearful anticipation. But I also believe that the writer of the old hymn “Lead On, O King Eternal” was absolutely correct when he wrote:

“Lead on, O King eternal, Till sin’s fierce war shall cease, And holiness shall whisper The sweet amen of peace. For not with swords’ loud clashing, Nor roll of stirring drums, But deeds of love and mercy, The Heavenly Kingdom comes.”

So if our friends with their billboards want Jesus to come back soon, how about a campaign promoting deeds of love and mercy, maybe even justice and peace? That’s something I could believe in and support. How about you?

Love,
Pastor Dave