SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, March 7, 2021

Dear Friends in Christ —

Do you know the name Harold Camping? He founded Family Radio Network; he predicted Jesus would return on May 21, 2011 signaling the end of the world. Evidently Jesus didn’t get the memo.

And civilzation didn’t crumble at Y2K.

And the ancient Mayans miscalculated as well.

What is it about the apocalypse that conjures such speculation? Perhaps if we look at another meaning – an uncovering, a disclosure, a revealing of great knowledge – it may be easier to understand the fascination. I doubt many of us are yearning for the end of it, or this, or that or all of it! We aren’t those who ponder a rapture – ascending through the clouds, bumping into Jesus on his way, the final reckoning in his pocket.

In our text this week, Jesus covers ground and he doesn’t have much time. Time is accelerating so he gathers his chosen to Olivet. There, he reveals trials to come. He is clear in what must happen, but when it comes to his return, he just says, “Be ready.” So we’ll do our part in grateful obedience and in inexplicable joy – yes, joy, even in the scrum of these days.

We sing. We pray. We proclaim. We share Christ’s table. You’re expected and will be celebrated.

In anticipation –