Pray.

I was reading an article from an online journal about the needs and concerns of churches in Joplin, Missouri, including those of Peace Lutheran Church. Their building was completely destroyed in the large tornado on May 22. The article was peppered with references to prayer, people praying for strength to deal with the aftermath, for missing and grieving people, and for the means to rebuild. Leaders and congregations outside the area were pledging their prayer for the Joplin churches.

The comments below the article were painful and disheartening. Those without faith were scoffing at the apparent ineffectiveness of prayer, and of people who pray. How effective were prayers in preventing the tornadoes, destruction and death? Where was your God, then? They argued that Christians ask God to take care of it so that they can feel better about sitting back, and doing nothing else. There were some that stated that secular relief agencies (i.e. Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, etc.) and individual humanitarians are the ones who do the majority of “real work,” providing the best and unqualified aid to disaster sights and world needs.

Of course, the faithful responders dished out some pretty nasty retorts.

I had to respond. First, this polemical attitude prevails in too many arenas. It is not helpful. Yes, Christianity and other religions can be justifiably accused of many horrible things. In times and places we have been too passive and have rationalized and excused ourselves from taking effective action. We are justly accused of paying lip service when God would want us to pray with our resources, hands and bodies. There have been times when we have qualified our love and care, expecting or demanding conversion, or adequate signs of humility or gratitude.

It is also true that bad things happen to people who pray, and to the people for whom we pray. Our antagonists have many and good reasons to accuse and scoff. We can confess this.

However, this is not the whole story, is it? From where did most “secular relief agencies” get their starts? Who are the primary supporters, donors, and volunteers? Some have this impression that the majority of churches and Christians pray their way out of responsibility. Many do the opposite. Prayer leads us to action. In fact, social action is a part of our prayer-life. This is a major way in which we speak to God. Praying people pool their resources into amazing relief efforts in communities and around the world. I would argue that the largest share of it is unqualified and compassionate care that expects nothing in return, except a prayerful hope for a better world or community.

Much of it is directed through great agencies like the Red Cross and others. Moreover, if efficiency (percentage of resources used for direct aid) is the measuring stick, very few agencies can match the work of Lutheran World Relief, Catholic Relief Services, United Methodist Committee on Relief, and the like. For instance, because of its unqualified care and efficiency, our government channels millions of its relief dollars through Lutheran World Relief!

On a related note, I am hoping that we will be able to join a few nearby congregations in responding to recent natural disasters in the South. One of my pastor-friends is serving as a point person and keeping several of us in the loop on a couple leads. We may have one or more opportunities to send a team of adults from our congregations to a disaster sight as early as this June, and/or later toward fall.

In this and all things, please be a praying people: for our congregations, our Community Meals and local Food Banks, for our larger Church-wide organizations and relief agencies (secular or not), for the people of the South, the congregations, those grieving, rebuilding. Prayerfully consider joining a mission effort.

God’s blessings, Pastor Greg

Rapture Day T-shirts: $18.90

Are you kidding? Apparently not... I ran across this ad for T-shirts:
"Don’t miss out on your chance to purchase a Judgement Day 2011 'Rapture Ready' t-shirt TODAY! With limited time left before May 21 Judgement Day, you can still order this shirt and receive it by May 21 Doomsday. Your friends will love it! Click here to buy your 'Rapture Ready T-Shirt'."

It also said, "$18.90 for Very Limited Time." These are plain white t-shirts with the two words "Rapture Ready" across the front. The simplicity should impress Jesus... or, maybe these are for those who don't want to be mistaken for non-believers.

One kind-hearted anonymous blogger says that s/he has prepared post-dated blog entries that will go out following the 21st. These will help those who are left behind to cope with the mess of things until October 21st (after the rapture, but before the final end). One bit of "good news," if I'm reading this right, is that being saved and raptured on May 21st doesn't necessarily depend on believing in this prophecy, but having faith in Jesus Christ.

I know we'd like a sense of control, especially in the middle of the seeming chaos. Perhaps that is a part of the allure of end-time predictions. And with so much more awareness about the violence and natural catastrophies, it's very tempting to connect the dots to the Biblical wars, rumors of wars, and earthquakes. "Ah, see, now it all makes sense!"

There is a lot of anxiety, even a desire to escape it all. There is a bit of gnosticism in all of us that sometimes can't see the good in God's creation through all the haze of its corruption, aging, and corrosion. It can be hard at times to see Jesus and resurrection life here and now, and (with creation) we do groan for that great Day when there will be no tears, suffering or death.

And yet, it is moments like the above in which I have most profoundly experienced the presence of God, and the redemptive care and compassion of God through us. The kingdom is already at hand. If this weekend is the final end, or the beginning of the end? As my mom says: "Oh well!" Even at the end of times, I trust God to continue being the loving, compassionate, patient, merciful, self-giving, just, fair and right God that Jesus embodied. "There is no shadow of turning with thee." He is not two different gods. God is not a coin with two sides or personalities.

Well, okay then. Rapture ready: trusting God. Trusting the promises and forgiveness and love lived out and embodied by Jesus. If that's what I need to be ready, I don't suppose a t-shirt is going to win any extra points. God has already given what is needed, especially at the end. "All I have needed thy hand hath provided."

And if we wake to May 22, 2011 to find that there was no rapture? That's okay, too. Apparently, this May 21st prediction corrects a previous miscalculation (1994). I'm sure another adjustment will be found. (However, you would think folks would eventually apply Deuteronomy 18:22 to Mr. Harold Camping's prophetic abilities and--as kindly and forgivingly as possible--take away his microphone.)

Luckily, the t-shirts I saw were undated. Maybe they can even be delivered second-hand to our December 21, 2012 advocates. That, by the way, is a whole 'nother blog entry about opportunists...

God love us... and forgive us... and he does... thank God!