If you are like me, the word “apocalypse” creates all kinds of anxiety for you. Certain Christian authors and theologians have done a good job at doing a bad thing – they have framed “apocalypse” as end of the world destruction where the good guys get raptured up to heaven and everyone else dies a miserable death and spends a miserable eternity in hell.
Is that what Jesus meant by “Good News”?
No. I would like to reclaim this word “apocalypse” because I think it has a lot of wisdom for us. The word “apocalypse” does not mean “end of the world destruction.” It simply means, “revealing” or “unveiling.”
Our passage from Luke 21 is often referred to by scholars as the little apocalypse. Jesus warns that there will be wars and rumors of wars and that people will turn against one another because of him. Why? Because Jesus is inviting us to live differently – to love our neighbors, including our enemies, as we love ourselves. That’s because Jesus’ ultimate revelation, or apocalypse, is that God is eternal and unconditional love. In a world where many people want to use God as a weapon against their enemies, Jesus says no, we must use God as motivation to love our enemies. That kind of radical love will cause divisions, but by it you will gain your soul.
Welcome Prelude Music - Jean Herrera Lighting of the Peace Candle - April and Raleen All: We pray for peace, In our hearts, In our homes, In our nations, And in our worlds. Scripture: Isaiah 65:17-19, 25; Luke 21:5-9, 17-19 Call to Worship One: God is creating something new. All: We are part of that new creation: renewed, redeemed, and loved. One: Through all this change, God is with us. All: Though we struggle and have doubts, God is with us. One: Let us thank God, who is always with us. All: Let us be with one another, as God is with us. Amen. Song - You Are Mine Invitation to the Offering Community Prayers and Prayers of the People Sermon: Relax. It's Just the Apocalypse Benediction May God bless you and keep you. May God’s face shine upon you and be gracious unto you. May God look upon you with kindness and give you peace, This day and forevermore. Amen -Numbers 6:24-26