Rapture - Rev. Roger McClellan

 

Something came up in a conversation several days ago than continues to bug me. At one point, the individual said "we have to get ready, because Jesus is coming soon. Hallelujah!"

Theologically speaking, I do not quite know where I stand as regarding the concept of a coming apocalyptic rapture. In truth, I do not spend much time thinking about it.
Upon reflection, however, there are a couple of things about that statement that really bug me:
There is a wealth of apocalyptic and eschatological prophecy in the bible, much of it in the Old Testament. Oftentimes there is a bit of a disclaimer attached to those prophecies, stating, in effect "this is a warning. You have another chance to get your act together, lest I pronounce judgment on you." It seems to me that the "imminent return" of Jesus is at best a pyrrhic victory. Granted, if the apocalyptic literature is true, those in the body of Christ will be taken up to join him, therefore it would be a victory for us. But what of those we are here to serve as a witness to? When comparing the Revelation of John to other apocalyptic literature, the final judgment contained in the former would seem to be occasioned by our complete failure in our mission to witness to Christ in our actions and words.
A further problem with this forward looking theology can be illustrated in the following story from my childhood:
I was nearing my thirteenth Christmas, and had cause to look for something in the spare bedroom my parents used for storage. (Ok, I'll admit it. I was looking for my Christmas presents) under the bed, I found a long, narrow box, which I gingerly opened so as not to leave any evidence of my presence. In the box I found a brand-new shotgun. (Let me interject here, than in the Deep South of my youth, a gift of a firearm was seen to be a rite of passage of almost mythical proportions) I was thrilled! I eagerly awaited Christmas, knowing that my father would bestow upon me on that day, the mantle of adulthood.
I do not remember what I received for Christmas that year; but the shotgun was not among my gifts. I was crestfallen. Upon reflection, I came to believe that it was to be intended as a birthday present instead. After all, a rite of passage such as that would be more fitting on one's 14th birthday, after all. So, I waited the five months until my birthday, looking forward to the coming gift.
My birthday came. My birthday went. No shotgun. Once again, I do not remember the gifts I received; only the one I did not. I think each successive gift-giving holiday, a part of me expected that gift, and the recognition that came along with it.
I never found out why that shotgun was there. Twenty-odd years later, I still do not know. What I do now know is that I wasted a lot of time, probably squandered a lot of gifts and opportunities, while waiting for the one that did not come.
It seems to me that those Christians who spend their time and expend their energy awaiting the coming "attaboy" of the rapture, have a lot in common with that Roger of twenty-odd years ago. That Roger had his head stuck so far into the future that he was of no earthly use in the present and was incapable of enjoying the gifts of the present or taking advantage of the opportunities presented by the present.
What if that is the point of the Revelation of John, and the other apocalyptic tales in the bible? Maybe they serve as cautionary tales to remind us to enjoy life's blessings as they come, and serve God to the best of our ability every day?