Still Here - Still Waiting - Still Working

We have a real problem in our culture with media hype.  Anyone who wants to do so may have their 15 minutes (or in some cases - 1 week) of fame.  If the right words are said to the right people, and the right kind of marketing happens, then we have a world-class story on our hands.

It is now 12:30 a.m. on May 22, 2011.  Significance of the hour is evident.

The very fact that I am here writing this post indicates several possibilities:

1. I am not among the elect who were to be "raptured" today at 6:00 pm (conveniently in each local time zone; or,
2. No one was elected, and Jesus just was disapppointed and went back to regroup and make another run at a second-coming later; or,
3. Media-hype pushed some thirsty souls to listen to another of the centuries-old predictions that predict a specific moment when Jesus will return; and, more importantly, some people know exactly when that is going to happen; or
4. We really need to help struggling pilgrims to see Jesus' Second-Coming in a far more biblically clear manner and less in hype and inuendo.

Actually, I prefer item 4 listed above.

Freedom of speech and religion can get you into some interesting corners at times.  By the way, we're in those times.

Matthew makes it pretty clear when the disciples ask if it is the time for you (Jesus) to save Israel. (Another way to say "Come back.")   Jesus, normally the one who gives vague references to things that the apostles just have a hard time grasping, stops their conjecture dead in its tracks.  "Neither the angels, nor I know.  ONLY the Father!"  Doesn't leave much room for investigation or speculation on that one does it?  Seems pretty clear to me that some modern mathematicians, the Incas, some successful novel writers, and those just eager to be in the spotlight for a while, have co-opted our rich Christian tradition of the Second-Coming of Christ for their own purposes.

Imagine the apostles bewilderment when they realized that they would still be wearing dusty shoes, walking down dangerous roads,catching smelly fish, associating with all kinds of people, running from the authorities (both civil and religious).  This choice that they had made to follow Jesus was not heading toward a blockbuster movie with all the special effects that made them look good.  This choice kept them engaged with a world that needed Jesus to heal and care for those who were on the outside looking in.  Even after he would ascend. 

Nothing has really changed since the Resurrection and Ascension has it?  Aren't we still charged with living each day AS IF this day were the last and we had little time for triviality because a loved world needed to be loved.  And it needed to be loved NOW!  Not waiting for a cloud-tearing, earthquake splitting event that would set everything right.  Of course, you have to know which side you're on as to whether or not the world is set right.

There is really no option in Jesus' ministry for opting out of our responsibilities as Christians and riding the theatrical spaceship to glory, especially while there is real work to be done.  We will all meet Jesus at some moment in time.  I hope I recognize him - I also hope he recognizes me.  I hope he finds me living a full life of service and devotion to his ministry.  I also hope he'll find me playing with my grandchildren and doing all the things that loving people do.  I am sure that he'll find me wondering about where to plant that rose bush, or build that n-scale bridge, and on and on.

I am quite certain that there will be no litmus test other than "did you love me?"  I'm prepared to answer that, but I trust grace if I am found unloving of his flock.

Doomsday?  Where is the doom in the return of Jesus Christ.  Actually, I never really thought he left.  If we believe in the Trinity, Jesus, God, and the Holy Spirit are with us even while I'm sitting here unable to sleep and typing this post.

Actually, I wish Jesus would return like some cosmic superman who can:

• stop bullets from taking lives;
• shut down drug dealings with anyone, especially children; 
• who can rescue a town from natural disasters;
• who can bring peace in undeclared war in our cities;
• who can mend broken hearts with a touch;
• who can grow love among the unloveable.

Now that would be some second coming!

But - wait - that's what he told us to do.

Not a lot of empty clothes laying around, nor driverless cars, trains, and planes.  Rather, a dedicated, energized band of disciples who care more for those they serve than the implications of institutional order.  I expect we could even see Resurrection Dances springing up in all kinds of places.

Something to think about in these post-millenial times.

• Brother Simeon - still looking for a crust of spiritual bread.