I’m a lucky guy in so many ways. For example, back in 2015 my wife was running an educational program for physicians which happened to be in Vienna (Austria, not Ohio), and I got to go along to carry her luggage and do whatever I needed to be allowed to stay. It was an amazing place, and I would love to go back; travel expands the mind. One afternoon we were walking through the city and a youngish, well-dressed woman smiled at us. We smiled back, as we tend to do, and she said, “Jesus is coming back, you know.” I mention her attire because most people I encounter who say random things like that tend to have an unhinged look about them. No judgment, just the reality of my experience. She looked like she was on her way to a power lunch – no warning was given prior to her statement. I said, “No, He isn’t”, and we moved on.
The Gospels record a number of times Jesus made it seem like He was coming back after a bit, and the Apostle Paul and the writers of the other letters and books of the Christian Scriptures include many similar passages. Jesus also warned us to not be taken in by those who say He is back. The Gospels were written decades after His life, so they must have been getting a little concerned that He hadn’t shown up yet. Paul’s apocalyptic fervor waned gradually; he got a little cagey about the concept with the passage of time. For 2000 years there have been segments of Christianity who have been focused on the imminent return of Jesus, and as far as I know, it hasn’t happened yet. Or maybe we were left behind? There have always been wars and rumors of wars and earthquakes and cataclysmic events; our time is no different from the times of those who came before us.
I think Jesus did return – after the resurrection. His message changed, as if He got more clarity about the steps forward. I live every day the best I can, as if it were my last. I don’t live in fear of Armageddon – I can’t handle that level of paranoia and anxiety in my life. I don’t care if others want to believe this idea – we all have our crosses to bear. I do care if you use that, or any other belief to try to control how the rest of us live. One’s theological beliefs are based on opinion, not facts, and the last time I read the Constitution, the opinions of others aren’t more valuable than yours or mine. And it doesn’t matter if your theological opinion is shared by the majority of the people in your town, state, or country; the tyranny of the majority doesn’t win over the rule of law.
Worship whatever you call the Holy in your own way, but don’t try to force me into your understanding of God. This has been tried countless times throughout history, and it has never turned out well. Keep staring to the heavens – because that’s where God is, right? – as much as you want. I will keep chugging along, trying my best to help make heaven on earth. That way, we will have both directions covered, in case He decides to show up.
Prayer – Holy God, whatever You want from us, we hope we can provide it. Nudge us with Your Spirit every day. Amen.