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| Along the Way 5-20-11 |
 The end of the world is coming this Saturday, May 21, 2011, according to a conservative group of Christians who have spent a good deal of time and money publicizing this event. Somebody handed me an 8 page tract some months ago that announced: THE END OF THE
WORLD IS ALMOST HERE! HOLY GOD
WILL BRING JUDGMENT DAY ON MAY 21, 2011 I have tried to maintain an even-tempered approach to this dire (or thrilling, depending on your faith) pronouncement. Each to his own, I’ve tried to say. If this is their theology, more power to them, I’ve wanted to conclude. This I know: if Saturday really is the day of judgment we can face it with the assurance that God so loves the world and that those who love and hear the voice of the Good Shepherd have nothing to fear about the judging of the quick and the dead. So I’m calm. If this is the end, so be it. I’m ready to jump right into the lap of God. But in the meantime I’m working on my sermon for Sunday, planning on getting a haircut, changing the oil in my car and balancing my checkbook. I have already made a dinner appointment for Sunday evening, May 22nd and next week’s calendar is full. Paul counseled the church to be girded for action, but he also scolded those who – in anticipation of the return of Jesus – had quit their jobs and were mooching off others in the church to put groceries on their table. This most recent prophecy is sponsored by Harold Camping’s Family Radio of Oakland, CA, a string of Christian radio stations. I visited Mr. Camping’s website which is full of somber, scary warnings, calls to repentance and certainty that May 21st is the Day. On a whim I clicked on the “make a contribution” icon, wondering whether they would still be encouraging donations. Why would they need my money if we’re at T minus 1? I was not surprised to see they are still receiving echecks and credit card contributions, complete with asking the expiration date on my plastic. I’ll see you Sunday. Creede Hinshaw |
